Yorkshire’s local leagues set to return after lockdown hiatus

THE MAJORITY of Yorkshire’s clubs and leagues are returning to action this weekend as cricket emerges from months of lockdown.

Andrew Watson, managing director of the Yorkshire Cricket Board, the governing body for recreational cricket in the county, is delighted that the sport is back with a bang.

“Most of the leagues are back this weekend,” he said. “There’s some that’s coming back in two weeks’ time, but the majority of them are coming back now.

“We’re the only recreational team game to come back so far, so there’s a huge amount of trust in us to get it delivered properly, and the players are keen to get back in action. It’s great because it’s been three very long and difficult months.”

Some clubs returned to action last weekend with friendly games, helping them to ensure that protocols are being observed.

These include hygiene breaks to clean the ball after every six overs as per guidance issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“Most leagues did friendly matches last week and the feedback from the leagues has been very good,” said Watson.

“I think it was really a pilot of what it looks like because obviously you’ve got to have your hand sanitiser there and things like that.

“With hand sanitiser every six overs as a crucial minimum, leagues are now looking at the length of time that’s taking in the game. But the clubs have all adapted well and we’re here to support them as best we can.”

The YCB looks after circa 750 clubs, with the ECB having provided regular updates to recreational cricket during the lockdown.

Watson is full of praise for the governing body and the way they have performed.

“The clubs have been able to adapt so well not least because of the way that the ECB, in particular, has given information out through weekly updates,” he added.

“We wouldn’t be where we are now without the ECB and also the help of the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport).”

One way that clubs have been supported is through grants.

“Through government grants and Sport England grants, we’ve brought into leagues and clubs around £3m this year,” said Watson. “That’s just to keep the lights on because there’s still bills to pay, and so on.

“It’s fantastic because we know that clubs do live on a shoestring, so it’s vital to have that money behind them and a tremendous boost.”

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