Only way is up for Seconds (From Free Press Series)

Only way is up for Seconds

MONMOUTH Cricket Club's second team have been installed in the Flint & Cook Marches League Division 2 for the coming season.

Originally Monmouth 2nds had been placed in Division 3, with newcomers Hereford City Sports Club, set to make their league debut in Division 2.

But a change of heart by the Marches League's executive committee, which followed an appeal from Monmouth, saw their original recommendation reversed.

The clubs decided on a compromise at last week's management committee meeting, which saw both Monmouth 2nds and Hereford City placed in Division 2.

Clubs voted in favour of the compromise by 17-11, meaning both Divisions 2 and 3 will have 11 teams, resulting in one side having a bye each week.

It is understood that each side will still play only 18 fixtures, so not all the sides will play each other twice.

This scenario was preferred to the alternative of extending the season or playing league fixtures on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Monmouth chairman Chris Brooks said: "As you can imagine, we are happy with the decision and looking forward to the challenge of Division 2 cricket.

"We know that it's going to be tough because we will have the sole second team in that division. But after finishing runners-up in Division 3 last season, our second team deserved to gain promotion."

Brooks added: "I know that the players and the second team captain, Idris Leonard, are absolutely delighted with the news."

Hereford City chairman Richard Watts said: "We were not contesting that Monmouth 2nds should be promoted, which was why we put forward the compromise agreement.

"We felt that being placed in Division 3 might have caused us to lose a couple more of our experienced players."

Meanwhile, Monmouth Cricket Club are holding indoor nets for present and new players at Monmouth School's sports complex, on Sunday mornings from 10am to midday.

The club's indoor nets are running until Sunday, March 28.