Zartan wrote:oyster wrote:Like the concept though. Also, I doubt whether the ATCA clubs could come up with grounds and facilities to be of grade cricket standard. All have to have sight boards, covers, etc, etc, etc. A significant outlay for ATCA clubs to play at grade level, when they are promoted.
Would think most of the A1 clubs would have reasonable grounds and facilities already wouldn't they?
Also for clubs below that aspire to play higher, they would begin investing in those facilities, so not sure if the outlay would be as significant when promoted.
Plus if they merged, the SACA clubs would obviously fill the entire top division straight up, so gives at least a year or two for clubs to get themselves in a position to move up.
It's all the small stuff that make the big package. Facilities, sight board, curators on call 5 days a week including Saturday and Sunday, covers and the little things or a big thing really. Grade clubs are not water restricted. Their ovals and pitches get watered far more than ATCA grounds and wickets, because of being in the SACA competition. Turf training nets are also a must have at a grade club. Not many ATCA club have turf training facilities. The list goes on and on. While I like the concept, I think all of these small issues would make it financially impossible for ATCA clubs.