24 Jan SNOW STOPS MEETING – THE SEQUEL

Meanwhile, back at Meltham, the deliberations about the league structures continued.

In my last report I said that 5 x 12 team divisions were likely but the committee were considering another solution when snow stopped discussions. The committee felt this this was the ‘simple’ solution but this meant that 9 teams were being subjected to ‘forced relegations’. Also, whilst teams in Division 5 benefitted greatly teams in Divisions 1 and 2 could justifiably complain of losing fixtures.

Conjecture in the tabloid press suggested we were looking at 4 x 15 team divisions but another scheme designed by John Pearman and David Sykes gained favour. The committee voted unanimously to go with:

• Divisions 1 and 2 having 16 teams
• Divisions 3 and 4 having 14 teams

No team would have fewer games than in 2022 and most teams would have more games.

Divisions 3 and 4 will have 26 games, one each week in the 26 week season

• Divisions 1 and 2 will have 30 games which will have to be condensed into the 26 week season
  • The extra games will be played one per month over 4 months as we did when we returned to action after covid
  • The games will be allocated to Fridays on bowlsnet but can be played at a mutually agreed date within 28 days of the allocated date.

This solution will be reviewed at the October general meeting alongside the 5 x 12 team solution for 2024.

• • Winners and runners-up of each division will win prizes and also promoted if this solution continues in 2024.
  • If the Council  vote for 5 x 12 team divisions the league positions in 2023 will determine the divisions in 2024.