Crunch time for cricket clubs

A NEW relegation system will reshape the Far North Coast LJ Hooker League, with two teams to drop out next season

While some teams are playing for a finals spot in March, others are battling to avoid relegation into second grade.

FNC LJ Hooker League president Phil Melville said plans are in place to reduce the number of teams from 10 to eight next season.

As it stands, Murwillumbah and Pottsville are the teams on the bottom of the ladder.

Melville said other factors could come into play with strict new guidelines that clubs will need to meet next season.

“We’re trying to reduce it to eight teams which will make it a stronger competition,” he said.

“It’s the business end of the season now and they’re all on notice that the last two teams will drop off.

“We’ve also set a criteria that teams need to have juniors, a second grade and a turf wicket among other things.

“So other factors might come into play, but the idea is for clubs to build from the ground up to help the future of the game.”

At the other end of the ladder, defending premiers Marist Brothers and Cudgen look set to finish in the top two.

The Casino RSM Cavaliers, Goonellabah Workers Sports, Tintenbar-East Ballina and the Tweed Banora Colts are also in the mix.

There will be plenty of eyes on the match between Casino and GWS at Oakes Oval, Lismore this weekend.

The Cavaliers are 0-14 chasing a target of 207.

A win would see Casino leapfrog their opponents into third spot on the ladder.

Elsewhere, fifth-placed Tweed Banora Colts are locked in a battle with Alstonville at Hill Park, Wollongbar.

Tweed needs a win to stay in touch with the top four and are currently 4-30 chasing 128.

In other games to be completed this weekend, Marist Brothers are 4-200 against Pottsville at Seabreeze Oval.

Cudgen is closing in on a win at 5-120 after bowling Lennox Head out for 140 at Meagan Crescent Oval, Lennox Head.

Tintenbar-East Ballina will resume at 3-132 against Murwillumbah (167) at Rabjones Oval, Murwillumbah.

Matches will played from 1pm.

Ladder

Cudgen 65

Marist Brothers 59

Goonellabah Workers Sports 53

Casino RSM Cavaliers 50

Tweed Banora Colts 47

Tintenbar-East Ballina 47

Alstonville 41

Lennox Head 38

Murwillumbah 27

Pottsville 24