14 March 2016

To CCC member clubs,

CCC wrote to member clubs with 2 or more teams a number of weeks ago seeking applications for the reintroduction of The Conference Cup, following a year's absence last season. We explained in our invitation to apply, that we had succeeded in finding a blue ribbon venue for the final, the Essex CCC County Ground at Chelmsford and that prize money for the winning side was ring fenced at £1000.00.

We added the caveat that we fully acknowledged that we were late in sending out the invitation, due to ensuring that we had the above mentioned factors in place, thus providing a heightened competition environment and that we would need a minimum number of teams to apply to enable us to run the competition this season.

Very sadly, we have not been able to garner sufficient applications to run a credible tournament. We had many responses highlighting a desire to be involved by member clubs but due to the late notice, they were unable to commit this summer as their fixture cards were already complete. What was also made clear, was a willingness to commit to a cup competition moving forward and so we will make plans to run the competition from 2017, hopefully with a first class venue and prize money in place.

We at CCC were really hoping we might be able to reintroduce The Conference Cup this year but it is not to be. In challenging times for club cricket, we hope to try to provide good reasons for Sunday Cricket to be maintained within the traditional club game; we know this is an eroding element of club life for many and only adds pressure on clubs' financial viability....

We are extremely grateful to you for applying and we will ensure that for 2017, your club is guaranteed a birth in what we hope will be an invigorated, enjoyable and valuable competition embracing the member clubs of CCC in the Home Counties and South East of England. A sincere thank you to you for your support of our endeavours.

With warmest regards,

Simon Prodger,

Chairman of Cricket, CCC.