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I apologise for the delay in getting this out to you, but I work shifts and it is not always easy to do the things that one would like.
It was apparent that this statement wasn’t going to make a difference either way. I would urge clubs not to take any unilateral action. It is our intention to organise a management meeting for Thursday of this week, venue to be confirmed. It is imperative that if you were looking to the merger for cricket next year that your club is represented .
Steve Turner (Chairman)
Click this link to read the full statement.

Messages were left on land line and mobile on 3rd October. The LWRCL Clubs met 9th October and unfortunately could not be given any progress as it was learned the CYCL Chairman was away until 11/12th October. However they gave a vote of unanimous confidence in LWRCL Steering Group and reaffirmed it was mandated to make decisions, on behalf of the LWRCL Clubs, in the best interest of cricket. After leaving further messages and email over the weekend 11-12/10/08, a call was received from the CYCL Chairman who unilaterally wishes to disband the Steering Committee and have it replaced by his own committee. He required to know if LWRCL were still for the merger and prepared to accept it under his conditions. There is a CYCL Meeting on Thursday to agree the Divisional Constitution of the Alliance and at this late hour he wishes to invite LWRCL Clubs to vote on 3 alternatives. Neither LWRCL Steering Group, nor LWRCL Management nor LWRCL Clubs has received any notice of these proposals which strangely do not include the one agreed by the new CYCL Chairman on 23 rd September. A meeting, as suggested by LWRCL Steering Group, was requested but refused and when it was stated that LWRCL are fully committed to the merger by the Steering Committee method and would not be walking away the CYCL Chairman stated “Well that’s it then!” and whilst I was speaking the phone went dead!! Does this mean CYCL are walking away from the merger? If that is so, then let us both take stock and plan for the future without delay. Any CYCL club wishing to join the Alliance under a democratic forward thinking management should contact our Secretary Jon.2b@ntlworld.com

Statement From LWRCL Management 25/09/2008

Following a meeting with CYCL Management on 23rd September, when the new Chairman of CYCL put forward proposals to conclude the formation of the Alliance, the LWRCL agreed to arrange a LWRCL Steering Group Meeting and a LWRCL Club Meeting to consider these new proposals. Contrary to the report posted on the CYCL web site the only matter agreed was a compromise divisional constitution labelled “C”.

As agreed, the LWRCL Steering Group met and:-

Confirmed total commitment to the merger(what a fantastic opportunity in these times to have 52 + 21 = 73 teams in a new Alliance)
Agreed that the Steering Committee must continue and complete its task of setting up the Alliance with Rules, Committee & Constitution to be approved by the member clubs at the inaugural meeting.
Agreed that LWRCL are prepared to revisit any or all previous decisions if there are better proposals presented.
Agreed that LWRCL will support a reduction in Steering Committee numbers to facilitate swifter progress.

It was also decided that the LWRCL Co-Chairman of CYCLA Steering Committee should make urgent contact with new Chairman of CYCL to discuss the situation and agree how the merger can now move forward.

Following a meeting between the LWRCL Steering Sub-Committee and senior representatives of the Management Committee of the CYCL, there will be a meeting of the full LWRCL Steering Group on 1 October to discuss new proposals from the CYCL.

LWRCL Clubs will meet on 9 October to discuss the new proposals and divisional constitution for 2009.

Merger News - message from John Finch:

"News for all Clubs - but of particular interest to Garforth PC, Horbury Bridge & Nostell.

I am pleased to report that 2 clubs (Gawthorpe St Mary's & Pollington) previously making plans to join other leagues have taken up the offer of inviting me to attend a clubs' members meeting to explain the merger and answer any questions or fears. After each meeting a vote was taken and both have committed themselves to the Alliance with only one vote cast against in total. What does this say? Let members have the opportunity to question the merger, see the benefits and future in a pyramid league and then they can make a balanced judgment and a democratic decision.

So out of 5 clubs wishing to make their future in other leagues 2 have changed their mind in an overwhelming vote. There is still time for the other 3 to hear the same information and as already stated to all the clubs I am willing to attend a meeting; all you need to do is invite me, hear my report ask questions and then let your members make the final decision."

Merger Message from John Finch

"Last night I took the Chair for the planned Steering Committee Meeting due to the resignation of my fellow chair and colleague Chris Madden.

Without the support and tireless work of Chris the merger would not be where it is today. He has the vision for cricket in the 21st century and its need to change for the future and it is very disappointing that he should not see the result of all the hard work when the Alliance is launched at the end of the year in readiness for its inaugural season in 2009.

The full committee expressed its sadness at his resignation and wished to place on record its sincere thanks and appreciation of Chris's contribution to the Alliance.

David Clegg accepted the position of Co Chair on the Steering Committee replacing Chris. He was warmly welcomed and congratulated on his new position.

The Steering Committee will work hard in the development of the Alliance and hope to present Rules, Constitution, Competitions and Match Day Rules as soon as possible but hopefully by the end of September 2008.

Whilst losing a colleague of the calibre of Chris is a big disappointment to me personally, I am sure that David will continue the task and I look forward to working closely with him to achieve our goal.

The continued support of all clubs and members is greatly appreciated.

Press Release from the Central Yorkshire and Leeds - West Riding Cricket League (8th March)
After lengthy discussions and consultation with Member Clubs, the Central Yorkshire and Leeds - West Riding Cricket League have agreed to merge their competitions to form the Central Yorkshire Cricket League Alliance. This change will be effective from the start of the 2009 Season.
Member Clubs have been informed of the proposed league structure which will be finalised at the end of the 2008 Season. It will consist of a Premier and 1st Division with a corresponding Second Team Competition, followed by Divisions containing the remaining teams.
The new League will be the first “pyramid” league in Yorkshire, providing competitive cricket for all standards of ability; starting with 3rd teams, from established clubs, playing in other divisions, through ambitious clubs with one team and continuing upward to “elite” clubs with up to 3 teams and juniors. It will offer a clear progressive path for clubs that are prepared to invest in their facilities, grounds and playing membership.
Further announcements will be made shortly.

The following will be put to League clubs at the next meeting on 21st February 2008:

Proposed Merger between CYCL and Leeds & West Riding League
After lengthy discussions, it is proposed the above leagues merge to a single League with effect from Season 2009. The proposed League Structure for Season 2009 will be as follows:

Premier Division – 12 Clubs
1st Division
2nd Division
3rd Division
4th Division
Premier Second XI – 12 Clubs
1st Division Second XI

The above structure has been designed around an expected number of approximately 80 teams. Accordingly, we cannot be specific on the number of teams in any Division, with the exception of the two Premier Divisions. For Season 2009, the Clubs in the two Second XI Competitions will mirror the corresponding First XI Competitions.

For Season 2009, the Premier Division will consist of Clubs in the CYCL Premier Division applying existing promotion and relegation criteria with CYCL Division 1 for Season 2008

Each Member Club will be assessed during Season 2008 on their facilities, ground, number of senior teams and commitment to junior cricket. Following the assessment and discussion with the Club, they will be given one of three grades, A, B, or C which will allow the Club to compete as follows

Grade B and C Clubs will be given details of the improvements needed to improve their grading. Clubs fielding only one senior team, or with no junior teams will be restricted to Grade C. The League Management reserves the right to award a provisional grading to a Club providing substantive evidence of planned improvements. Equally, major problems relating to the facilities, ground or administration may result in a Club being regraded, or in extreme cases being asked to leave the League.

For Season 2009, with exception of the Premier Division, the clubs will be allocated to the remaining Divisions using a combination of grading and playing ability.