Lincs Co-op men's league back as three divisions

Post date: Mar 8, 2017 3:31:13 PM

Stamford's two men's teams in the Lincs Co-op-sponsored county first and second divisions will each face eight fixtures (four at home and four away) next indoor season after the Lincs IBA introduced new changes to its format, writes press officer Bob Warters.

Earlier it was mooted that the competition would comprise two divisions of seven teams -creating a fixture headache of 12 matches per entrant - but the addition of Skegness has led to a re-think for county secretary Simon Reeson.

Fifteen teams now evenly spread across three divisions will contest the competitions, following the disbanding of Spalding B and the re-joining of Skegness.

Stamford A will play alongside four other teams - expected to be Spalding A and Boston A or (Louth A) plus Lincoln and Scunthorpe, the latter two being the likely teams to be promoted from Division Two.

Stamford B, promoted from the third division this season as champions, will be joined by relegated Sleaford, Boston A (or Louth A) plus Grantham and Long Sutton A.

Horncastle are favourites to drop down into the the third division alongside Long Sutton B, Louth B and Boston B with Skegness completing the division made up of five teams.

Matches will to be played over 21 ends with the re-spots rule, introduced this season, continueing.

Spalding B are dropping out of the league with many of its players taking over from some of the club's international stars whose success elsewhere provides little time for county league commitments.

The Co-op-supported Mixed League will stay as it is with the bottom two teams in Division One relegated and replaced by the top two teams in Division Two.

The Co-op Over 60 League will be as this season with Skegness becoming the club's solitary representatives in Division Two. A new Boston B side will also start in the second division, from which Stamford are still hoping to gain promotion.