Brigg Town Cricket Club is finally going to enjoy some games during a season whose start has been delayed for weeks by Coronavirus emergency restrictions. Broughton and Hibaldstow cricketers will also be playing matches from early August.
Our local clubs will be involved in a specially-arranged Trophy, rather than playing their scheduled fixtures in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, as would normally be the case.
In order to reduce travel, teams that have opted to take part in the Trophy have been placed in four regional groups and will play each other on a 'round robin' basis on Saturdays throughout August, with the winners meeting in the semi-finals. The final will be played on September 12.
Innings will be 40 overs a side, with bowlers restricted to a maximum eight apiece. Traditional teas will not be taken during the interval.
The North East Group includes Brigg Town and Broughton, while Hibaldstow will compete in the North West.
Provisional fixtures have been drawn up but may be subject to some changes.
Brigg Town will have away games at Barton on Saturday, August 1, Broughton on August 8, Grimsby Town on August 22 and Cleethorpes 2nds on August 29. Brigg will also play East Halton on Saturday, August 15 - venue yet to be confirmed.
Spectators are welcome at these matches but must not touch the ball if it crosses the boundary.
Due to various Coronavirus concerns about this team sport, including the match ball being handled by different fielders, the government did not permit the 2020 season to start anywhere in the country... until now.
Games were due to commence during mid-April in many UK leagues.
BROUGHTON FIXTURES: Aug 1 - Grimsby Town, away; Aug 8 - Brigg Town, home; Aug 15 - Cleethorpes 2nds, home; Aug 22 - East Halton, home; Aug 29 - Barton Town, away.
HIBALDSTOW GAMES: Aug 1 - Alkborough, away; Aug 8 - Messingham, away; Aug 15 - Haxey, home; Aug 22 - Scunthorpe Town 2nds, home; Aug 29 - Outcasts, away.
PICTURED: A Brigg Town home match at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road, last season, with the familiar mature avenue of trees beyond.