LIVERPOOL ECHO KNOCKOUT TROPHY

Date: 17th March 2016

A STATEMENT FROM THE PAPER

The Liverpool Echo Invitation Knockout Trophy – A Statement

A fortnight ago I was appointed the Liverpool Echo’s cricket correspondent with specific responsibility for reporting on the Med Imaging Liverpool Competition. I was also given sole authority to administer the Liverpool Echo Invitation Knockout Trophy (Echo KO). Soon after taking on the job, I said that I was happy to receive suggestions or observations from officials, coaches, players or spectators regarding the running of the Echo KO. That period of consultation is now nearing its end and I should like to thank all the many people who have contacted me; I have been greatly impressed by the intelligence and insight shown. The main areas for discussion are detailed below, as is a miscellaneous notice regarding entries. I welcome further comments. Let me stress that no decisions have yet been taken but any changes will be announced prior to the draw, which I hope to make on or around March 23. My decisions will aim to reflect a consensus and protect the integrity of a trophy which is still held in affection by many people. Thanks again.

1 ) Entries

I shall assume that all the Liverpool Competition clubs who entered last year will wish to do so again in 2016. I will include both Birkenhead St Mary’s and Southport Trinity in the draw. I ask any Competition club which entered last year but does not wish to enter in 2016 to inform me as soon as convenient. I will be contacting clubs from other leagues individually.

2) Rules

Most people have said that the Echo KO should continue to follow the ECB’s T20 rules. I understand that this will soon mean that any penalty runs will be added as they are incurred, not at the end of an innings. Many thanks to the MCUA for raising this matter and taking it up with Lord’s.

3) Regional or Open?

Some people have suggested that the regional draw be abandoned because it benefits Premier League clubs; others have said that they would reconsider entering the Echo if there was a possibility of them being asked to travel 25 miles or so to play an evening 20-over game. What do clubs feel about regionalising the first round or two but having a fresh and open draw for the last 16 or quarter-finals onwards?

4) Finals Days

The suggestion has been made that we should have a Finals Day, rather like other T20 competitions. It has been pointed out that playing a semi-final in the semi-darkness of late July/early August is unfair to players, umpires and spectators. What may be a problem here is finding a date in, say, late August when all four clubs are available, especially since some teams in both the Liverpool Competition and Cheshire County League have cultivated the pleasant habit of excelling in county and national competitions. In such circumstances, it may even be that a Finals Day would eventually fall after the end of the league season. Would that be any better? There may be other logistical issues. Would a Finals weekend be possible? Are we happy to dispense with the traditional two-innings final?

5) Clothes

I’m not likely to have a seizure because two groups of adults want to prance around in their jim-jams on a June evening but can we please stick to white clothing for all matches, including the final?

5) Balls

The suggestion has been made that the use of pink balls be allowed if both sides in a game agree to this. Given the light in which some Echo KO games finish, I am inclined to agree to this and make pink balls an available option but not a requirement. If one young - or, indeed, ancient - cricketer avoids injury as a result, it will be worth it. Red balls for the Final or Finals Day, though, barring the most exceptional circumstances.

That’s all. Please get in contact if you or your club has strong views on any matter. My details (paul.edwards44@btopenworld.com or 07962-115171) Go well this season.

Paul Edwards