Just to reinforce ……it is the intention of the Two Counties Championship to start our season on Saturday 17th April with a full fixture list as published.

However we have heard recently that the DCMS have clarified with the DFT that car sharing is not permitted until Step 3 which is due to be implemented on May 17th.

“Car sharing is not permitted with someone from outside your household or your support bubble unless your journey is undertaken for an exempt reason. Sport and physical activity is not an exempt reason, so you cannot car share for sport and physical activity”.

This of course has implications for the first 5 weeks of the season.  But as the vast majority are very keen to play a full season of competitive cricket this year, we are hoping that clubs will still find a way to fulfil these fixtures.  We emphasise however that no club should feel any pressure to travel if they do not think it feasible to so do.  Therefore:

  • The average system as outlined in an earlier post will now apply for the season, starting on April 17th.
  • Promotion and relegation will still apply until we exceed the “66% rule” as posted earlier.  The “66% rule” will obviously apply to the current travel restrictions as they are covid related.
  • The MSC will not impose financial penalties for these weeks should it not be possible for the away team to travel, as long as the home team is informed by 8pm on Thursday.  If notice is not given by this time, Clubs are reminded that the MSC can impose a fine of £10 against the offending club
  • Cancellations must be confirmed and the umpires informed by Thursday 8pm at the latest.  The Secretary and Fixture Secretary must also be advised.
  • In the event of a cancellation (for this 5 week period only) should both sides be in agreement we will allow a match to be re-arranged and played on an alternative day – including Bank Holiday Mondays or Sundays. Should re-arrangement be possible then the Home club must advise both the Secretary and Fixtures Secretary.

Whilst we are fully aware that the above is open to abuse you are reminded that the MSC are empowered under the rules to act where abuse is seen.  However in the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves, it is to be hoped that this will not happen.