Local cricket clubs in limbo

Local clubs who play their cricket in Shropshire could be forced to miss their first two matches by the Welsh Government.

With the season set to start on April 24, Montgomeryshire’s clubs may have to wait until May 3 before organised team sports are permitted in Wales. That is expected to be confirmed by First Minister, Mark Drakeford, at today’s latest update.

It will impact Newtown, Welshpool, Montgomery, Alberbury, Guilsfield and Llanidloes who will need to re-arrange their schedules.

However, while the Welsh Government is not permitting organised outdoor activity for 30 people until early May, they are permitting cross border travel from April 12, so does that mean Welsh clubs can play across the border? A point that is yet to be clarified, and creating another layer of confusion.

“It’s not ideal, and one of those cases that we just wish England and Wales would align their guidance,” said Guilsfield chair, David Williams. “We have been been preparing for an April 24 start. English sides will have a month’s head start on us in terms of being able to practice and then play, so it is putting us at a huge disadvantage.

“However, the priority is safety and to see an end to Covid, but I feel cricket showed last summer that we can play in a secure environment without putting people at risk. We will just have to get on with it though and see what can be done.”