THE Vaux Northern League clubs, including Darwen and Chorley, are facing a decision on whether or not to press ahead with plans to take on Premier League status.

The Liverpool Competition last week became the first Cricket league in Lancashire to be accredited with Premier status by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

But that does not rule out the possibility of the Northern League also becoming a Premier League. And officials of the Northern League met with representatives of the Lancashire and England cricket boards at Old Trafford on Monday night to discuss the next step forward.

"It was quite a productive meeting and the ECB filled in a lot of gaps," said league chairman Norman Brown.

"We can give that information and our observations to the clubs and they have to make a decision."

The Northern League clubs have agreed to meet the ECB stipulation of playing 120-over matches.

But they are still seeking clarification on other matters before deciding whether to commit themselves, including the financial ramifications. The Liverpool Competition clubs will receive £1,000 each and the league £2,000 for set-up costs staggered over two years.

The Northern League may also need to establish a feeder league system to gain Premier status, and that could be a stumbling block.

The ECB will overlook the need for feeder leagues in "exceptional circumstances" but don't want premier leagues to become "closed."

The Northern League has had preliminary talks with the Ribblesdale League about a possible link-up and they may need to be revived to meet the ECB's criteria.

"We will have to have a chat with them. It's up to the Ribblesdale League and the individual clubs to to decide where their future lies," added Brown.

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