THE Aire-Wharfe League have got round the anomaly of clubs being handicapped by bowling out their opponents cheaply.

Previously clubs were only likely to gain a maximum of 15 points if they bowled first and dismissed their opponents for under 125.

However, in a rule change that was passed at the league's annual meeting at Otley Rugby Club, clubs will now gain the full 20 points if they reach their target – whatever it is – if they lose under two wickets.

Full batting bonus points will also be gained if sides win with a maximum of three wickets down chasing 125-149, a maximum of five wickets down when chasing 150-174 and a maximum of seven wickets down when chasing 175-199.

Full batting points will always be gained if the target is 200 or over in Horsforth Hall Park's proposal that was passed 24-6 with one abstention.

Other rule changes that went through were the implementation of fielding circles (they were trialled this season in league matches but will now also apply to the Waddilove Cup and Birtwhistle Cup), leg-side wides shall now apply in first-team league matches as well as the Waddilove Cup and students can be dual-registered (i.e. play for a club near their university or college as well as one near their family home).

Another rule change that was passed was allowing flexibility in third-team start times, which can be earlier than 2.30pm if mutually agreed.