A MAJOR restructure has produced important changes to recreational cricket for the summer season starting at the end of this month.

In the past any team promoted to the South Wales Premier League, took their Second XI with them to play in the Division 2 East.

As long as the club’s Firsts stayed in the league, the Seconds would stay.

But following requests from players and clubs, the Seconds will return to the South East Wales Cricket League (SEWCL).

Chepstow CC chairman Jon Huws explained the reasons for the move.

“The 2nd XI division in the premier league was always regionalised so we never had to travel further than Bridgend,” he said.

“The East Division 2nd XI teams involved all voted in favour of rejoining the SEWCL for several reasons, preferring to play for promotion/relegation and more evenly matched games being some advantages discussed.

“It was agreed prior to last season that the position we finished in last year’s competition decided which division of the SEWCL we went into.”

The change sees Chepstow Seconds playing in Division 5 with Usk and Sudbrook Seconds.

The SEWCL season begins on April 19 with Abergavenny welcoming Ebbw Vale and Sudbrook away at Blackwood.

All three Monmouthshire clubs are in action a week later (May 6) when Usk 2nds visit Whitchurch-Heath, Sudbrook 2nds travel to take on Llanarth Firsts and Chepstow, along with new shirt sponsor Easy Car Care Chepstow, are away to Croesyceiliog 2nds.

Monmouth CC are returning after withdrawing during last season, the firsts in Division 6 along with Abergavenny Seconds and Undy & Magor Firsts.

Other divisions: Division 10: Penarth 4ths v Abergavenny 3rds; Usk 3rds v GWR Bridgend 1sts. Division 12E: Abercarn 2nds v Chepstow 3rds; Abergavenny 4ths v Llanarth 2nds; Monmouth 2nds v Sudbrook 3rds. Division 13E: Glangrwyney 2nds v Monmouth 3rds.