New playing rules are set to be adopted by The Oxford Times Cherwell League next season to bring it in line with the Home Counties Premier League.

And moves are also under way to introduce cup competitions.

Under the revamped playing rules, clubs in Divisions 1-6 would continue to play 100-over games, but they would be split 52-48 in favour of the side batting first.

In Divisions 7 to 9A/9B, the proposed overs split is 47-45.

The Home Counties points system would be incorporated, while fielding circles and the stringent ruling on legside wides would also fall by the wayside.

League secretary Peter Tomlin explained that the move had received the backing of the majority of clubs.

"We put a circular out, and out of the 39 clubs, 28 or 29 replied and the big majority of those were for it.

"The propositon was put forward by Oxford because they felt that with clubs going up to the Home Counties for the first time, it took them half a season getting used to playing the new form of cricket, which made it difficult for them to stay up."

Clubs have also been canvassed about the introduction of cup competitions - with the idea to introduce senior, intermediate and junior tournaments for the different levels through the league.

The early rounds would take place on Saturdays in April, before the league season gets under way, with later rounds on Sundays.

Meanwhile, the league have written to the Home Counties expressing their concern over the time it's taking to resolve Kidlington's complaint that Burnham played an ineligible player in the last match of the season - an issue that effects promotion and relegation.

Tomlin added: "It is very disappointing that it has taken this length of time and we just can't understand why."

The league's AGM is at Bicester & North Oxford CC on Thursday, November 22 (7.30).

THE Oxfordshire Cricket Board's AGM will take place in the meeting room above the Lower School Sports Hall, Lord Williams's School, Thame, on Wednesday, December 12 (7.30).