Posted: October 29, 2008

 

 

Member clubs voted for a new slimmed down look for the 2009 season at the annual general meeting at Gomersal.

They opted for limiting the entry to 32 clubs who must enter teams in both the Heavy Woollen and Crowther Cups.

It was also agreed to re-introduce an 18-mile limit from Batley Town Hall for determining which clubs will contest the competition in 2009.

Another new rule for next season sees the introduction of fielding circles into both the Heavy Woollen and Crowther Cup.

Clubs will be allowed only two fielders outside the 30 yard circle for the first 15 overs of an innings and a maximum of five outside for the remainder of the innings. They will be limited to five legside fielders at any time.

Two more new rules address issues arising from last season's rain-hit competition. When rain prevents play and clubs cannot agree another Sunday date, they can now arrange an evening game with a minimum duration of 15 overs each on a date on which they agree.

If a Heavy Woollen or Crowther Cup tie cannot be played on the set date because one or both of the clubs has a fixture or cup commitment in their own league, the Management Committee will set the date for the game tie to be played.

One proposal that was defeated was the bid to reduce the qualification period for players becoming non-overseas to two years.

Competition president Dave Sharp said: "I believe it was a very positive agm and the changes the clubs have voted in will strengthen the competition.

"By reducing the size of the competition we will need one less round and that has created extra space on the calendar.

"We are particularly pleased to have agreed a fixed calendar for cup competitions with the JCT 600 Bradford, Solly Sports Central Yorkshire and Drakes Huddersfield Leagues. That agreement is of benefit to all concerned."

The management committee was relected en-bloc.