BACK on June 12, 2020, with the Covid-19 epidemic very much in mind, Feversham Cricket League officials, albeit with a degree of reluctance, came to the inevitable conclusion there was no realistic prospect of a full league and cup programme taking place in the short time left for evening cricket.

Therefore, there was no other option left but to cancel the season completely, which the five member clubs, to their credit, accepted with commendable understanding.

Thoughts, however, began to emerge that the very future of the league could be in jeopardy, with the possibility that retirements or lack of interest during the intervening period before matches were permitted to take place again could be a serious impediment to a resumption.

Fortunately, such concerns proved to be unfounded. At the recent AGM there was plenty of enthusiasm for a return to normality, with the welcome boost that Gillamoor, who left in 2016, have rejoined. They will join Glaisdale (joined 2019), High Farndale (joined 1970), Lockton (joined 2019), Rosedale Abbey (joined 2018) and Slingsby (rejoined 2004) in competing for the league championship and the three knock-out cups.

The following officials were re-elected: President, Sir Richard Beckett, chairman, David Westhead, vice-chairman, John Hatfield, secretary/treasurer, Charles Allenby.

The anticipated further easing of the England and Wales Cricket Board's restrictions from the May 17 should make it easier to stage the first league matches, which are scheduled to take place on Friday, May 21, namely Glaisdale at home to Slingsby and Rosedale Abbey at home to Gillamoor with a 6.30pm start in both.

Home clubs are responsible for emailing the results to the secretary at the conclusion of matches.