Garstang CC stalwart backs NPCL 40 Over Cup format as clubs return to league matters this weekend
NPCL clubs return to league matches this weekend after a fortnight of 40 Over Cup cricket.
Garstang CC’s Michael Walling thinks the Northern Premier Cricket League’s decision to start the season with its 40 Over Cup can be a benefit to member clubs.
The group stage campaign ended last weekend, in the same way as it started with matches on consecutive Saturdays.
Clubs’ remaining two games were held on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, and Sunday, June 14: a format which has attracted criticism from Thornton Cleveleys’ Josh Sackfield.
The Illawalla captain has said he would prefer it to be a straight knockout competition, bringing an end to dead rubbers between teams who cannot progress into the quarter-finals.
In contrast, Walling said: “The first two weeks worked well.
“It’s a bit of a gentle introduction into the season if the weather’s not been great, the pro’s not arrived or you haven’t been able to play friendlies.
“If you lose your first two league games, then you’re catching up, but I think it’s worked quite well.
“The games on the Sunday and Monday were challenging and two games in the middle might seem strange - but it’s a nice break and you’ve got to fit it in at some point.”
Attention now switches back to the league as Garstang host Kendal on Saturday (12.30pm).
It’s a match between fifth and seventh in division one, with Garstang seven points ahead of their visitors at the halfway stage.
Twenty-six points separate leaders Leyland from third-bottom Chorley, while only 12 points split the top four: a gap Walling feels is an indication of the division’s strength.
“The standard is as good as it’s been since the jump to amalgamation,” he said.
“Promotion and relegation have helped. A lot of the stronger players have migrated to the division one clubs, so that’s the strongest it’s ever been.
“You look at the scores every week, anyone can beat anyone in any game and you have to push if you want to be successful.
“Everyone needs good pros and amateurs, so it ends up being very competitive and if you aren’t on it, you’ll be punished.”