this in turn had come about because league cricket in the county had existed only for a fragmented minority, but officials saw it as important to establishing a strong county side and finally persuaded a full hand of leading clubs to commit to it. opposition to league cricket prevailed around this time because it was viewed as being potentially over-competitive, and would also mean the loss of traditional fixtures. that view quickly changed in ensuing years, but at the key meeting some clubs opted out while others missed the cut – and once the 12 were established, their door remained firmly shut and subsequent applications in future years to join this main group were always rejected. most of the disappointed clubs joined other leagues.