THE UK Government and ECB say recreational cricket will be allowed to return from tomorrow (Saturday), subject to all required safeguards being observed.

David Derrick, who holds several secretarial and committee posts in the game at club and competition level, said: “What it does mean is that there is a very good chance that we will get some summer sporting action at the recreational level after all with the announcements made last Friday morning – and that can only be good for all.

“There is a lot to be looked at by both leagues and clubs before any action can take place. Clubs need to have had detailed internal conversations as to what they can meet in terms of both playing and hosting games once they have signed up to what the likes of WEPL and the SCL, for example, have tabled as proposals for play.

“Clubs are asked to be realistic as to what they can achieve rather than optimistic as to what they can commit to – there will be no penalties if any club wishes to not put out its usual complement of teams or if it decides to not play at all. Being Covid-19 secure is a requirement, too.

“My club had a socially distanced management committee meeting on Tuesday evening this week and part of the business that was looked at were the playing propositions from WEPL and the SCL and we will be reporting back very soon with our carefully considered responses. I know that a contact process has been entered into to ascertain who wishes to play in a schedule that should cover the period, Saturday, July 25, to Saturday, September 5, playing in suitable ‘bubbles’ that minimise travel.

“The Taunton and District Sunday League and the Baker Cup competitions are actively considering their potential to offer some sort of play in 2020 but, for now at least, their seasons remain paused...

“There is scope to rescue some of the 2020 season and I am sure all of the local cricketing family will be pulling in one direction to achieve the best that can be delivered.”