SO since my previous column a lot has happened in the Bolton League (BCL) and surrounding leagues.

The Lancashire League has gained a few clubs, the Northern League has lost clubs and the Greater Manchester Cricket League will no doubt be adding clubs to their divisions for 2017.

That being said, I'm very positive about the divisions for the BCL in 2017, and feel that the clubs finding themselves in the top division will no doubt experience some tough competitive cricket.

Teams in the lower division will certainly rise to the occasion, fighting for promotion.

This also gives certain clubs the chance to re-group, analyse their future aspirations and act accordingly.

There will be a few clubs in and around that 10th place fighting to stay in the top division, so I predict a few shock results coming very soon.

As for the 2016 champions, it's very difficult to look past Farnworth Social Circle, who undoubtedly are the most consistent team.

Their side is very experienced, has developed a knack of winning, has batters capable of scoring runs all the way down the order and has the ability to bowl teams out cheaply.

Hopefully this ability will leave them tomorrow as we have the small matter of a Farnworth derby to attend too.

We'll certainly be looking to overturn them, but know we'll have to be on top form to gain a positive result, always a great game for the spectators.

The Hamer Cup has gone to the Walkden Oval for 2016, a low-scoring thriller it was described as.

Unfortunately, I was not in attendance but was updated (it felt like ball-by-ball) by some of our lads who went to Astley Bridge to watch.

By all accounts, Astley Bridge did a fabulous job of hosting the final, as they received plenty of praise via social media.

Walkden did what many have been unable to do this year, bowl Social out for under 100.

At half time it looked like Walkden would romp to victory, but after losing a few quick wickets the tables were turned.

Walkden managed to get over the line, but another 30 or 40 runs may have given a very different result.

Congratulations to them on becoming 2016 Hamer Cup champions.

In my last column, I mentioned the possibility of my club, Farnworth, progressing to the Lancashire Knockout final.

After winning our semi-final against Monton last Sunday those thoughts/dreams have now become a reality.

We play Denton West, of the GMCL Premier League, for the title of champions of Lancashire.

The game will take place at Middleton CC on September 11.

The venue caused much debate and activity on Twitter and Facebook. Let me make one thing very clear, before the quarter-final against Read, myself and my team-mates thought the final was to be played at Emirates Old Trafford (as it has since 1972) – the Holy Grail for amateur cricketers in our county. For one reason or another this is not the case for 2016 – only the sixth time it hasn't hosted this prestigious match since 1972.

I'll be 100 per cent honest, I am very disappointed by this as it is now the second time I personally have missed out on the chance to play at our county's home ground.

Back in 2010, we had to play the final (against Denton St Lawrence) at St Anne's CC due to the redevelopment of Old Trafford.

But I'm sure Middleton will do themselves proud and put on a great show for all involved.

The atmosphere should be electric as their ground is obviously smaller and should be packed out on the day.

I can see both teams bringing quite a following, here's hoping the weather is kind to us.

I hope to see many people from the BCL at the game, and may the best team win.