From the onset of the 2009/10 season more than two months ago it was expected the top four sides in the nine team competition would continue in their quest for the Merrin Cup after the December 4 cut off date, with the

remaining five teams to switch to the Sparre Cup.

However, in recent weeks it was suggested five teams should be drafted into A grade and four into B grade as the top five teams, Big O, Harden 1, Central 1, Wallendbeen and Stockinbingal, were all considered to be a notch above the rest and would provide a very competitive second half of the season.

Any change in the grading would have had greatest ramifications for Stockinbingal who, despite finishing on equal points with Wallendbeen after the weekend’s action, were relegated to fifth on percentages.

A meeting of board members and team

delegates was held on Tuesday night where the possibility of a change was to be discussed.

However, when Stockinbingal board

members Brendan O’Callaghan and Mark Annetts indicated their side was not willing to make the switch there was no need for further discussion.

O’Callaghan and Annetts indicated the younger members of their side did not wish to compete in the higher division at this stage of their careers.

With players of the calibre of O’Callaghan, Annetts, Nathan Corby, Matt Holt and Jeremy Annetts, the village side is well equipped to compete at Merrin Cup level, however the

general consensus to emerge from the meeting was that rules set in place at the start of the year should not be changed mid-season.

Stockinbingal will now be odds-on to claim the 2009/10 Sparre Cup where their

challengers for the title will be the Globe Hotel, Country Club, Harden 2 and Central 2.

Association secretary Pat Kerin said once the committee became aware of Stock’s

reluctance to play in a five-team Merrin Cup the matter was effectively resolved.