Following confirmation that the Tom Hardman T20 will take place on the 28th August, Saddleworth CC's Committee has informed the League of its withdrawal from the competition. We have a successful history in T20 competitions, being SDCL 2015 T20 champions and unbeaten over the course of the last 2 seasons, so the decision to withdraw was made with great reluctance. However, due to the number of 1st XI and 2nd XI players who have booked holidays over the bank holiday weekend we believe the decision was necessary in order to prevent devaluing and disrespecting the Tom Hardman T20 competition.

The purpose of this letter is to make clear our disappointment with how the decision to rearrange was reached. The decision was made at a League Executive Committee meeting when there were no representatives present from Saddleworth and Friarmere. Although the club's opposition to rearrangement had been discussed at that meeting, and despite an apparent majority of clubs in opposition, the competition was rearranged to the 28th. The club received no prior warning about the rearrangement of the competition and were under the impression we had been given time to consult with our members. Therefore, the club was extremely disappointed to be told via social media that there was a unanimous decision by the clubs involved to move the competition to the 28th.

The club has been clear in its objection to rearrangement since it was first raised and has tried to work with the league to find a compromise to suit all clubs involved. However, due to the burden imposed on Greenfield of an already once rearranged finals day, further rearrangement would be impossible.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Monton good luck in their LCB semi-final and to announce that, due to not being able to support the foundation through partaking in the Tom Hardman T20 finals day, the club will be making a donation to the C.R.Y. foundation.

Regards
Saddleworth CC Committee