   |
|
Home 2003 Season 2002 Season News Photo Gallery Club Directory Umpires SPCL Umpire Appointments Rules/ Accreditation Officials SEC Cup Awards Statistics Links |
|
|
SPCL awarded full ECB Premier League accreditation
Mike Vimpany - 2 May 2002
The Southern Electric Premier League has been granted full accreditation status by the England & Wales Cricket Board and is now ranked among the elite recreational competitions in the country.
Formal announcement of the ECB's approval of the SPL's split playing format comes on the eve of the third season of Premier League cricket, which begins tomorrow (Saturday)
Unlike the majority of other ECB-accredited competitions who play only all-day matches, the Southern Premier League plays a split summer of limited-overs and 'time' cricket.
"We play nine weeks of all-day 'time' cricket in June and July, in between an equalivant number of 50-over matches at the beginning and end of the season," explained league chairman Alan Bundy.
"It's a format which is not only popular with the players, but more importantly mirrors the First Class game across the globe.
"As a result of the way our game is formatted, promising youngsters who cut their teeth in the Premier League can now adapt more easily when they move up into county Second XI cricket and beyond.
"Now I'm delighted to say the ECB has officially recognised what we are doing and has awarded the League full accreditation status for the next two seasons, which is wonderful news."
Mr Bundy said that the enormous efforts being made by clubs to establish flourishing junior sections and enhance existing grounds and facilities had been a prime factor in the ECB's decision.
"The officials at Lord's were very impressed with the accreditation systems the old Southern League introduced almost ten years ago to grade grounds and youth set ups," Bundy added.
© Michael Vimpany (not to reproduced in any other publication)
| Players/Umpires | Alan Bundy. |
| Tournaments | Southern Electric Premier League |
| Season | English Domestic Season |