THE Southampton Evening cricket League have recruited one of the biggest names in Hampshire sporting history in a bid to avoid the very real threat of extinction.

Former England batsman Robin Smith has pledged to do all he can to help the league, which next year celebrates its 75th anniversary but which in recent years has seen its member clubs dwindle.

From boasting almost 100 clubs for their midweek evening league just over a decade ago, just 26 remain for the planned four-division structure in 2005.

Smith was present at an emergency meeting held at The Rose Bowl this week, where an action plan to take the league forward and stave off any threat of folding was thrashed out.

League chairman Doug Perry believes the falling standard of council pitches has forced clubs to pull out of the league in recent years.

"The unpredictability of the pitches is causing injury to batsmen and are considered dangerous.

"Over the past few years the wickets on many of the public cricket grounds have deteriorated which has led to many of the stronger sides pulling out."

The SECL hopes to revive its fortunes thus:

1) Extending their boundaries to take in teams from Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, Totton and surrounding clubs to the east of Southampton.

2) Allowing clubs to use their own private pitches.

3) Improve pitches which have been used in recent years.

4) Giving clubs until March 30 to register for the 2005 season, which starts in mid-April and continues through to late July. The format is 16 overs a side.

5) By again playing their showpiece cup final at The Rose Bowl's main pitch - they did this for the first time last summer.

6) Establishing an end-of-season play-off for the top division title between the first and second place teams - a proposal which might be repeated in all the divisions in 2006.

Smith made his SECL debut in 2004 for Trants, the team run by league president Patrick Trant. This year Trants will be playing some of their home games at The Rose Bowl's nursery pitch.

Trant said: "Robin wants to do what he can to help.

"Last year the players who played against him loved the fact they were playing against and bowling against Robin Smith.

"Robin's a family man and he doesn't want to commit himself to playing a game which takes up an entire Saturday or Sunday - he just wants to play locally, have a pint afterwards and still be home at a reasonable time."

The league allows overseas players - indeed, there is no restriction on the number of foreigners a side can field - and Perry said its diversity should be its strength.

"We can cater for the likes of Robin Smith, for Southern League players and for pub and works teams as well," he said.

Current and prospective clubs are urged to attend the league's annual meeting at The Rose Bowl on March 30.

Further details from Perry on 023 8049 2503.