Launching #CLUBHBL

#CLUBHBL is a new initiative from Cricket Leinster, to introduce the Hundred Blast League (HBL) format to club coaches across the province, and beyond. The hugely popular HBL tournament is in its second season, and the competition has been an instant success.

The HBL is aimed at Women and Girls aged 16-21, however the format can be played by any person of any age, and any ability. The focus is on fun, creativity and getting players to take more risk. The format is perfect for training matches, friendlies and fun social evenings. We have put together a free easy-to-use guide for all coaches, making it easy for them to introduce this format in their clubs. Please find the main Explainer PDF here, and the links to the other resources here.  

The new format encourages batters to try new shots. Every batter's first ball is a Free-Hit, and the ball following a wide or no-ball is also a Free-Hit. This gives the batter the opportunity to try that switch hit, reverse sweep or scoop shot that they haven't had the courage to try in a game. The game is also a lot faster, with fewer changes of ends and no additional deliveries, the game should take less than 2 hours. This means it's the perfect length for a training session or early evening friendly. 

Retirements can be very restrictive for up and coming batters, so instead of having to walk off after reaching a particular score, the HBL lets you bat for 20 balls. This still gives batters the opportunity to score a 50, and makes sure others get to bat. Knowing you only have a few balls left also encourages more risk taking. 

The bowlers can bowl either 5 or 10 balls in a row, and with no extra balls for a wide or no ball, bowlers don't have the embarrassment of bowling a 'never-ending 'over, if they are struggling to find their rhythm. 

Knowing the format works, Cricket Leinster are now keen to see the format be used in every club. We are confident all coaches will find the format beneficial to their players. It might require a few tweaks to get it right for a specific age group or standard, and some suggestions have been laid out in the pdf below. We have also supplied a handy poster of the regulations, which can be edited and sent to your players. We have an editable team sheet and a printable scoresheet below also. Finally, don't forget to check out the HBL spotify playlist, which players can add to and use during the match.

If you have any questions please get in touch by emailing hbl@cricketleinster.ie. If you use the format, we would love to hear about it, so please use the hashtag #clubhbl on social media.