League to consider 12-overs proposal

CRICKET:

PLAYERS could be limited to bowling a maximum of 12-15 overs per innings in Division One of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League next season.

The idea is aimed at limiting excessive use of strong bowlers and allowing more players to be involved.

The 12 or 15-over ideas are among proposals club delegates will vote on at the annual meeting on October 25 at Uppermill Cricket Club. Each proposal must get a two-thirds majority.

Clubs will also vote on whether all players must live within 20 miles of their registered club, and that the ‘Weathertime’ system be extended to second-team fixtures.

Another returns the leg-side-wide rule for first-eleven games, introduced but ditched after a season some years ago.

Delegates will also vote on a fielding arc of 25 yards in Division One matches - a rule already employed in the Tanner Cup. A minimum of four fielders and the wicketkeeper must be within this area when the bowler enters his delivery stride.

All clubs might also be obliged to have two teams in the junior section by the start of the 2015 season. Non-fulfilment will see 40 points deducted from first-team scores.

Other proposals: Games can be called off on the morning of the game, to prevent unnecessary journeys;

roll on, roll-off covers or a 24ydx15yd sheet must be provided, with a 22-point deduction for each failure to use it as directed; injury or illness to a player or umpire will permit up to 30min to be added to the game.

The fixture non-fulfilment rule will have a £25 fine added fo the first cancellation, £50 for subsequent forfeits. The club not in default (for league fixtures) will be awarded an average of the day’s winning points, but at least 12.

Eight players — rather than the current seven or fewer — must be available for either team at the scheduled start of play, regardless of weather, or a game shall be considered unfulfilled.






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