TWO major North West cricket leagues are to merge in the year 2000. Officials of the Manchester and District Association and the North West Counties League have agreed plans to amalgamate to form a new league structure of 28 clubs.

The merger is somewhat ironic for Bolton Indians. The club plays its first season in Manchester Association this summer - after resigning from the North West Counties League at the end of last season! An Alliance competition will be played this summer to decide which 12 clubs should go into the new league's Premier Division.

Two further divisions are planned - each with a maximum of 12 clubs.

As a result, the two leagues are looking for eight clubs of suitable standard to apply for membership for the 2000 season. The merger will bring together old-established clubs such as Stretford, Monton, Winton, Flixton and Whalley Range, from the Manchester Association, with equally long-established clubs such as Hindley St Peter's, West Leigh, Bickershaw, Culcheth Daten and Glazebury from the North West Counties League.

Clubs wishing to join the new league in 2000 should contact Frances Harris of the Manchester Association on 0161 282 1454.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.