THERE were few dissenting voices when the Cherwell League and OCA League held a discussion with member clubs over their proposed amalgamation.

About half of the 91 clubs from the two leagues were represented at the meeting at the Kings Centre, Oxford.

Cherwell chairman Clive Ricks and his OCA counterpart, Brian Standish, outlined what was described as a ‘blueprint for all clubs in Oxfordshire’.

Ricks explained it could be the first step in the ECB’s ‘Two Valleys’ proposal to provide a structure for the eight leagues in Berks, Bucks & Oxon.

He said the proposed new league, which they hope to have in place for the 2017 season, provided a clear pathway for all clubs to move to the very top of the pyramid – the Home Counties Premier League – where former OCA clubs Horspath and Great & Little Tew are now playing.

The suggested divisional structure sees the top three Cherwell divisions unaltered, with the OCA clubs being filtered in lower down.

Ricks said the standard of grounds could also influence where clubs would be placed, while there could also be a ceiling for 2nd XIs.

On the subject of umpires, Standish said he would like to see “qualified , neutral officials at all games,” something that exists in the OCA, but not in the lower divisions of the Cherwell.

Urging clubs to back the amalgamation, Dick Giles (Kingston Bagpuize) said: “Be positive. This is the only structure that will benefit young cricketers and it also gives the OCA clubs a wonderful opportunity to move up the pyramid.”

Sam Hollingshead, from OCA club Eynsham, said: “It’s a great idea and I hope clubs will look at the bigger picture.”

Some of the OCA clubs expressed a concern over the playing format and length of the games, but Standish said no decision had been taken whether to play limited overs or ‘time’ cricket.

“It’s up to the clubs to let us know what they want,” said Standish, who revealed that clubs would be contacted over the next days to ascertain their views.

“After we get that feedback, we’ll decide whether it’s worth continuing discussions,” he said.

SUGGESTED DIVISIONAL FORMAT

Divs 1-3 – existing Cherwell Divs 1-3.

Divs 4A & B – Cherwell Div 4 & OCA Div 1 (regionalised).

Divs 5A & B – Cherwell Div 5 & OCA Div 2. 

Divs 6A & B – Cherwell Div 6 & OCA Div 3.

Divs 7 A-D, 8A-D, 9A-D – Cherwell Divs 7-9 & OCA Divs 4-9.