THE Byrom Supplies Blackburn and District Cricket League begins its 107th year next month and it is as strong as ever.

For while a number of leagues continue to struggle to hold on to teams and attract umpires, the league has managed keep the momentum going.

Only last week the Burnley and District League announced it was folding while a last minute shake-up in the Blackburn Midweek League prevented it from following the same path.

So what has been its secret?

League chairman Len Rigby said: "We have a very strong committee in this league which has helped to keep us going.

"I was very sorry to hear about the Burnley and District League. We have lost teams as well for the forthcoming season but thankfully we had others who were ready to step in."

The league also has a very strong backing from the Asian community whose teams make up a large percentage of the league.

League secretary Eddie Hart added: "This is the strongest we have been for a number of years.

"We used to have three divisions but now we have two strong divisions and we have managed to keep the team numbers up.

"The number of Asians teams in the area is a great help because they love their cricket."

He added: "We do have a very good committee who make sure the league standards are high and we try to ensure every team wears full sets of whites.

"And we worked to make sure we get the best out of the council in terms of looking after pitches."

The new campaign begins on the weekend of May 4 and 5 with Brookhouse the team to beat in the A Division with Stansrod and newly promoted Blackburn Eagles also in with a shout.

St James and last season Knockout Cup winner Little Harwood will looking forward to the season while Gujrat will be looking to bounce back to their winning ways.

In the B Division, A resurgent Mill Hill side could set the pace with Haideria and Bulls Head hot on their heels. And new teams Noorjamal and Riley's Snooker Club will also be out to make a good impression in their debut season while relegated Audley will be keen to secure a speedy return to the top flight.

The league has announced it has had to increase pitch fees this year but Mr Rigby is confident the promise of improved facilities at Pleasington and Blacksnape will be honoured.

He said: "Several wickets at Pleasington in particular are in a very poor state of repair and are in urgent need of work to bring them up to acceptable standards.

"It is hoped the outfields too will be subject to stricter maintenance, with a programme of more frequent grass-cutting needed to encourage better stroke play."

While the league does have a pool of 17 umpires it is still looking to boost that number to guarantee two officials per game.

Anyone interested in becoming an umpire should contact Lee Rigby on 01254 209540 or Eddie Hart on 01254 57076.