Restriction on bowling quotas goes ahead

CRICKET:

BOWLERS will be restricted to a maximum of 15 overs an innings in Division One of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League next season.

The new rule will affect professionals as well as amateurs: it means paid players can no longer bowl up to 23 overs throughout an innings. Other players will now get the chance to bowl.

Bowlers are already limited to 12 overs each in second XI games.

Also adopted for 2013 is the reintroduction of leg-side wides in Division One. All deliveries that pass behind a batsman down the leg side, while he is standing in his normal position, shall be called wide.

Clubs must also possess roll-on, roll-off wicket covers, or at the very least a 24 yards by 15 yards standard sheet. These must be used both prior to the match and during weather interruptions — with a 22-point penalty for non-compliance.

Several other significant rules were introduced or amended, including umpire discretion to add up to 30 minutes of extra play in respect of delays due to injury. Teams must also have at least eight players available at the start of the match.

Proposals rejected included one to have a fielding arc of 25 yards and another to insist all first or second XI players live within 20 miles of the club.

Also rejected was a plan for every team to have two junior-section teams by 2015.