MIKE Rouse is poised to make a return to the top table of the GB Liners Marches Cricket League.

Marches League administrator Derrick Jones is stepping down next week after 11 years.

And Rouse, who has been involved with cricket in Wales, is keen to return to the Herefordshire fold.

“The Marches League role interests me,” said Rouse, a qualified umpire, who is also the treasurer at Glangrwyney Cricket Club.

“I have talked to Derrick Jones about the vacancy and his intention was to split the administrator role into two parts.

“But I am the only volunteer to come forward so far and it’s beginning to look like I might have to do the lot.”

Rouse, a Hereford United supporter, is a former Marches League fixture secretary - a role he did for 10 years.

He has played for Glangrwyney in the Marches League, put together the first league handbook and has umpired in the competition.

“I stepped down as fixture secretary about 12 or 13 years ago because I was too busy but I am now retired, so I have a bit more time.

“Derrick Jones has done a fantastic job for the past 11 years and he will be a hard act to follow.”

Rouse, who also supports Newport County, is looking forward to working with league chairman Jim Sandford.

He is currently the umpires’ appointment secretary for the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Cricket League in which he also officiates.

But Rouse admitted: “I might just do the youth appointments next season.

“I am also thinking about splitting my umpiring between the Marches League and the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League.

“I helped with the last Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League handbook but I think I will hand that over.”

Rouse is strong supporter of the Marches League and believes it’s important to listen to the views of the clubs.

“You have to listen to what clubs want - times are changing and cricket has to move with the times,” he said.

“I know Derrick Jones sent out information about the Marches Cup becoming a Twenty20 competition.

“These ideas are there to stimulate discussion and it’s common sense that these ideas get aired.

“There are some people who are keen to start matches at 1pm or play 40-over league cricket - and cricket leagues must listen to these ideas.”

Rouse is impressed with the facilities of clubs in the higher echelons of the Marches League.

“At the start of the Marches League, and when Derrick took over, the clubs made a huge effort but a lot of this seems to have stagnated in recent years.

“Hereford City Lads Club have just resigned and there were issues with three clubs defaulting fixtures last season.”

He added: “I enjoy being involved in cricket - I started playing the sport when I was 11 and this has been the first season in which I have not played a league match.

“I also played a lot of football for Abergavenny Amateurs. I would have gone on playing football for much longer but I had a bad leg injury.”

* The Marches League annual general meeting takes place at The Railway Club in Hereford next Monday (November 18) starting at 7.30pm.