THE Cornwall Cricket League has announced that their new competition this year will be named ‘The Bond Timber Trophy’.

The League sponsors are delighted to put their name to the tournament that is due to commence on Saturday, July 25, and run for around eight weeks.

A spokesperson for the East Cornwall-based company said ‘We are thrilled that the Cornwall Cricket League has been able to set up a replacement competition for what remains of the season at such short notice.

‘It will provide some meaningful cricket, and with “Bond Timber Finals” planned for September at the various levels, it will hopefully create interest for players and spectators alike.’

Following the green light to play the recreational game from the Government, the Cornwall League immediately activated its plans to play ‘competitive’ cricket in what remains of a shortened season. All clubs received details last Wednesday (July 8) from the ECB of the regulations for Step 4 ‘Adapted’ Cricket.

Amongst the measures are social distancing to be maintained at all times, including wicket celebrations and drinks breaks; no sweat or saliva to be applied to the ball; changing rooms to remain out of bounds; players to bring their own food; government transport rules to be adhered to; records and contact details to be kept of all in the group, which must not exceed 30; batsmen to run in designated lanes; scorers to be socially distanced; umpires and spectators must not touch the ball and spectators are limited to groups of six, socially distanced.

Clubhouses may be opened in accordance with Government regulations.

The Cornwall Cricket League has hastily conducted a follow-up survey to confirm all 70 clubs intent on participation and is finalising the plans this week.

In the first survey, 54 per cent of clubs opted to play ‘Adapted Cricket’ in a structured group format.

It is hoped that this will increase with the unexpected confirmation last week that 11 players can now take part and matches are not limited to 20 overs a side.

The League will formulate the groups and produce fixtures to see ‘competitive’ matches commence on Saturday, July 25.

Clubs are being asked their preferences for the number of overs.

That will allow eight Saturdays until September 12 for competition.

Several clubs hastily arranged friendlies and intra-club warm-up matches last weekend, and more are planned for this weekend.

The League appreciates the work of volunteer club groundskeepers over recent months whose efforts in care and maintenance have enabled such a swift restart.

It has emerged the League were one of the last in the country to formally cancel their ‘regular’ season programme when it became obvious ‘Step Five Unrestricted Cricket’ would not be possible.

Speaking to clubs, League chairman Mark Mitchell said: ‘Having attended the ECB conference call on Wednesday and read the detailed documents, it has become much clearer to me that the ECB has been working very hard behind the scenes to prepare for this stage of the “Return To Cricket”.

‘A few misunderstandings around the Government might not have helped, but “we are where we are” and, much against the impression given only a week ago, we now have the immediate prospect of some pretty worthwhile cricket – 11-a-side, and competitive.

‘Very few of us would have fancied the eight-a-side T20, with huge adaptations on the Laws of The Game!

‘The main variances from the norm are now off the field and in the preparation for the game.’