A move to make matches in Divisions Four and Five of the Mewies Solicitors Craven League shorter has failed.

Sutton proposed that games in the bottom two divisions be restricted to 35 overs per side (instead of 45), the rationale being to encourage youngsters to take part.

But it only received one vote in favour at the league’s annual meeting at Skipton LMS Club and 25 against.

Sutton’s bid to restrict bowlers in those two divisions to a maximum of nine overs (instead of umlimited) failed 22-4.

The same club’s proposal to play the first round of the Wynn Cup and Cowling Cup on a Saturday (instead of a Sunday), primarily to reduce the number of concessions in the Cowling Cup, was lost 22-1.

Much closer was Bingley Congs’ proposal to punish clubs who fail to fulfil a league fixture to be docked one league point (as well as being fined £12.50 if they are a first team or £7.50 if they are a second or third team) was lost 13-12 – but was still some way short of the two-thirds majority needed.