By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PROPOSALS floated by Tolchards Devon League top brass to get cricket back on the fixture list by mid-July have received a mixed reaction from clubs.

Nick Rogers, the chairman of the Tolchards Devon League, hopes clubs will be able to play eight-a-side friendly cricket from mid-July onwards as a prelude to something more substantial in August and September. Click here for full story

The resumption of any cricket is conditional on Government approval. More details of the road map back to playing cricket are expected in the next few days.

Responses received from clubs to the blueprint for cricket range from supportive through ambivalent to unenthusiastic, with a sprinkling of other options as well.

Tim Ward, the chairman of Paignton CC, said any sort of cricket would be welcome.

“No one wants meaningless friendlies for long, but they do want cricket with something on it,” said Ward.

“If we can eventually play some 50-over stuff I think it will be an eye opener for a few people.

“With no pros and no overseas players we will see what Devon boys can really do and how good they actually are.

“The situation we are in is not ideal, but the way I see it any cricket is better than none at all, which is where we are now.”

James Nicholls, the vice-captain of B Division side Plymstock, said he welcomed the prospect of getting out in the middle.

“I think we are at the stage where something is better than nothing,” said Nicholls.

“Personally, I would be happy with anything. We all have to follow the guidance so we are governed by what gets agreed.

“It's not just about the cricket; it's nice to get out and see your mates and get the club communities back up and running. “

Nicholls said eight-a-side cricket would present some challenges for players. 

“With only eight there will be lots of running in the field so I imagine loads of people will be working on their slip catching,” said Nicholls.

Anthony Griffiths, the Sidmouth secretary and 2nd XI captain, is less enthusiastic about eight-a-side friendlies.

Griffiths said he imagined there would be some takers for eight-a-side cricket, but won’t be one of them.

“My feeling is either we play proper cricket or we don’t bother at all,” said Griffiths, a former 1st XI skipper who now captains the 2nd XI.

“I am sure some of the younger players will want to play on the basis that any cricket is better than none at all – and I understand that.

“More senior players will want something with some edge to it. Hopefully that will come along in August.”

Hatherleigh skipper Mark Lake gave a cautious welcome to the possibility of playing some cricket by the middle of July.

Said Lake: “I would be keen for that as long as it's basically normal playing rules and it doesn't become a bit of a farce as it still needs to be meaningful and competitive.”

As far as short-sided games are concerned, Lake is open-minded.

“I don't see a lot of difference between eight and 11 players,” said Lake. “It is normal to have two minimum on the boundary during power plays.”

Plymouth skipper Jon Varcoe was lukewarm about using short-sided games as a way of getting cricket back on the sporting calendar and had a counter proposal.

“If eight-a-side cricket does commence, Varcoe said: “It will be interesting having only six fielders and I can't imagine many bowlers will be happy.”

Varcoe said Plymouth’s preferred option is to play shorter games with full sides, rather than the other way around.

“The club holds the view that local Twenty20s would seem the most logical and practical solution for all senior teams,” said Varcoe. 

“Players could travel on their own to matches and the shorter format would probably be a lot more appealing to people.”

Andrew Buzza, the captain of Exmouth 1st XI and a professional youth coach, also has an alternative view when it comes to playing priorities.

“Personally, I think the focus should be on getting the youth playing first,” said Buzza

“Cricket at the best of times isn't the most accessible sport for young players. Let’s give more opportunity for kids to play via Saturday cricket.

“Smaller teams provide more potential games between clubs. 

“Then cricket clubs can organise 20-over or 50-over friendly competitions for the men later.”