AYRSHIRE SUMMER LEAGUE - New format agreed for 2011

The Ayrshire Summer Scratch League will be competed for under a new format in 2011.

Since its innauguration in 2003 the Summer Scratch League has involved an all in draw for qualifying sections, with the winners progressing to the latter stages of the competition.

Whilst the format for playing individual matches will remain the same, the format of the event itself will alter considerably.

After seeking the views of competing clubs in early 2010, it has been agreed that the 2011 competition will be played in League Divisions, with promotion and relegation between leagues coming into operation, the winning team in the league gaining promotion to a higher division and the bottom team being relegated to a lower division.

It is anticipated that the formation of a such a league set up will promote keener competition throughout the competition, with all matches being closely contested and meaningful throughout the full league programme.

It is envisaged that the initial championship will involve four leagues of five teams, with the lower two leagues possibly involving more or less teams depending on the number of entrants, although there will be the option of introducing a fifth league if interest demands.

For the 2011 competition, the teams entering the event will be placed in divisions using a formula based on performance and position in the competition over the last three years of the event, and this will be agreed by the AGA Executive once all the entrants for 2011 are known.

The present Summer Scratch League trophy will be presented to the winner of Division 1 in 2011, with new trophies being introduced for the winners of the other divisions also.

Entry forms for the 2011 competition were distributed to club secretaries in early November. The closing date for entries is 31st January 2011.