UNITED first grade and Manning First XI captain Ricky Campbell has questioned the idea of Manning Cricket Association putting together three teams to play in the proposed Super League competition.
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This would involve sides from the three Mid North Coast competitions next season.
Under a proposal outlined by Manning Cricket secretary Craig Rees in the Times last month, it is envisaged Manning would supply three teams - Manning Coastal, Manning City and Manning Highlanders - into the Super League. Hastings and Macleay associations would also be involved.
"These would need to be split on a geographical basis with all clubs maintaining independent lower grades,'' Mr Rees explained.
Manning association is leading the push to establish a Super League between sides from the Manning, Hastings and Macleay. However, it was initially expected that established clubs from each association would nominate to play in the league.
Campbell believes that logistically it would be difficult for the association to construct teams.
"I don't think you can just make up sides from scratch,'' Campbell argued.
"Who is going to administer them? It would be easier if the top three teams from here nominate to play in the Super League.''
United was formed this year following an 11th hour decision by Cundletown and Leagues to merge. Both had lost a number of experienced players from the previous summer and were struggling for numbers. However, Campbell said at the start of the season he hoped it would only be for one season and the clubs would field separate sides next year. This may not be the case now, should the Super League concept get a run.
If the current pointscore is taken into account, United, Old Bar and Wingham would be Super League bound in 2014/15. Taree West and Great Lakes would then drop into an extended B-grade competition. However, their better players could be picked up by the Super League sides.
Mr Rees said in his original submission that the idea of the Super League is to get the top cricketers from each area playing in a stronger competition.
Campbell favours the concept - apart from the association selecting teams - but he also thinks there should be a promotion/relegation system, similar to the way the Football Mid North Coast Premier League operates. However, only sides from the same association could challenge each other to ensure each district has a fair representation in the competition.
Manning Cricket Association clubs have voted to progress with plans to start the Super League as soon as next season. Mr Rees is currently putting a competition framework in place and this will be presented at the March 14 meeting.
Meanwhile there are three rounds remaining in the Manning competition before the start of the semi-finals.