Louth CC prepare to begin campaign

After many weeks where it was feared that there may be no cricket this summer, competitive action will finally begin this weekend.

Teams from the Lincs ECB Premier have been split into two regional groups for the shortened campaign.

The North Division will see last year’s champions Woodhall joined by Lindum, Bracebridge Heath, Scunthorpe and Louth while the South Division consists of Sleaford, Bourne, Boston, Market Deeping and Grantham.

The American Conference-style format will see each team also face three opponents from the other regional division, with points earned added to their own league tally.

Matches are played to Royal London Club Championship rules, a format adopted by many leagues this summer due to the full campaign falling foul of the coronavirus pandemic.

This will mean 40 overs per side, a maximum of eight overs per bowler and three power plays.

Teams will earn four points for a win and two for a draw, with no batting or bowling bonuses. Unlike some areas, the format will see teams wearing white and playing with a red ball.

The top two sides from each group will progress to the semi-final stage to be played in September.

Action will get underway from noon on Saturday.

Louth will host Scunthorpe in the North Division while three inter-division contests will see Boston host Woodhall Spa, Lindum travel to Market Deeping and Bracebridge welcome the arrival of Grantham.

In the South Sleaford travel to Bourne.

Cricket was originally pencilled in for August 1, but after new guidelines put in place by the Government and Enland and Wales Cricket Board, match action has already been allowed to take place.