WELL, it's fair to say local cricket is definitely not as dull as it used to be!

Since the formation of the Greater Manchester Cricket League public opinion, us-versus-them, and we are better than them scenarios have been quite prominent, especially on social media.

I am quite active on Facebook and Twitter, co-running the Farnworth Cricket Club account as well as my own personal account. I'm sure these individuals will not mind me mentioning them by name as together they divide opinion, provide incite and encourage healthy debate: Mark Stewart, Brett Ernst, David White, Will Driver, Neil Bonnar, Damion Keegan, Gary Tonge and Martin Kay.

Needless to say these gentlemen are not frightened to speak out and broadcast their opinions. Personally I think it's a good thing, we can all learn from each other, and local cricket should begin to thrive.

The GMCL has given local leagues a firm kick up the backside to make the staleness go away.

In the BCL a revamped T20 cricket competition, coloured clothing, 40-over competition and ex-BDCA teams spliced in make 2016 a little more exciting for all involved.

Before you shoot me down, I hear you loud and clear saying that all sounds well and good but many leagues up and down the country have had these for years.

It's clear the newly-formed GMCL has other gems that look very impressive and could kick start the Bolton League think tank.

I've been quietly following the progress of the GMCL and it's fair to say a lot of the results across the divisions have been easy to predict.

Once promotion/relegation kicks in their league will surely let teams find their own level and fixtures will surely become less predictable.

One particular part of the GMCL impresses me greatly, the introduction of CricHQ, mobile/tablet-based application where subscribers can follow the progress of league and cup matches in real time.

It introduces ball-by-ball commentary of each selected match. I urge the Bolton League clubs to push for this in the future as not only does it make the job of the scorer easier, but players, spectators and people around the globe (yes there are people abroad who avidly follow BCL cricket – former players, spectators and family members) will be able to actively watch league cricket as it plays out.

What a fantastic piece of kit it is and if you get chance have a look, you'll be amazed.

The BCL 40-over competition got under way last night, and the format has thrown up a few exciting derby games such as Farnworth v Farnworth Social Circle, Horwich v Westhoughton and Atherton v Blackrod.

I know Farnworth and other clubs will be using these games to promote from within and pick the younger lads to pitch themselves against the best 1st XI players on show.

I don't know a lot about the ex-BDCA clubs' junior players yet, but teams such as FSC, Horwich, Westhoughton and Bradshaw have some exciting young talent to parade.

They will be given the chance to square up to the likes of Farhat, Markram, Pelser, De Zoyza, Abbass, Uz Zaman, Parchment, Nisar, Hettiarachchi and Newby (sorry if I missed anyone out).

This can only be good for the future of Bolton League cricket, hopefully the young guns rise to the occasion and some real performances ensue. Good luck to all involved.