Twenty20 sparks domestic comp

Recent domestic cricket posts have sparked some interesting feedback, not least from Dave at Harrowdrive.

He informs me of a new national Twenty20 Premier League competition which starts in June. Sponsored by North Gear, a clothing manufacturer, clubs pay an entrance fee in return for kit and a chance to appear in front of the Sky Sports cameras when the final takes place in September.

Let's hope it takes off and becomes a regular fixture. I am a real advocate of these competitions and always cover the minor Finals of the Village and Cockspur Cups at Lord's.

It's always a great day for fans - entrance is usually free - and you get a real feel from the players that whatever else they achieve on the cricket field, it just won't beat playing at the home of cricket.

Straight from the Herts

The Nutley is not all about international cricket postings: today we hear a couple of stories from English cricket's domestic scene.

Hertfordshire is usually a peaceful county north of London. However, two clubs, Radlett and Shenley, have been in the news recently.

Radlett, a Home Counties premier division side, have been accused by opposing teams of paying its players. Although the rules stipulate that this is not illegal, the club have responded by saying that one Herts club is "openly trying to buy success with a special fund." A Chelsea-type story in a sleepy part of Hertfordshire.

It certainly isn't easy to sleep for some residents down the road in Shenley. The village is home to one of English cricket's prettiest grounds (pictured) but residents have complained as to the noise generated from its permanent marquee, when the club hosts after-match parties.