NEW rules will see bowlers restricted to eight overs a game in the West Tyne Cricket League.

There are big changes afoot ahead of the 2017 season, with the biggest seeing the reduction in the numbers of overs for players from 12 to eight.

The move will encourage teams to use a fifth bowler in a bid to make cricket more appealing to local people.

Following the same mould, games will be 40 overs per side instead of 42 and there is a big change in the points system too.

Typically, winning teams have earned either 10 or 12 points with losing sides able to secure a maximum of five points. From April, the maximum points haul per game will be 20, with 10 points up-for-grabs for teams on the losing side.

The maximum overs of eight for players is sure to create mixed opinions. It will provide more opportunity for teams to extra bowlers, although some will feel aggrieved that they have to field a fifth bowler which may not meet the standards of the previous four.

The motion, along with the other rule changes, was voted in at the league’s recent AGM.

League secretary Colin Walker said: “These proposals were made by the clubs after we held a forum for players and captains in November in conjunction with Ian Wardle from Northumberland Cricket Board.

“The ideas are to make cricket more attractive to players and either get them back involved with the game or retain them longer by having shorter games with more players involved.

“By having to use at least five bowlers, we also hope this will mean younger players will become more involved and make them more likely to keep playing.

“The changes will not be to everyone’s liking, but have been proposed by the clubs and then voted upon at the AGM by the clubs.

“It will be an interesting season but the main thing is that, after many years of resisting change, the clubs have been willing to try something new.

“Hopefully, they will be beneficial to clubs and the league alike. If not, they can be modified as the clubs so desire at next year’s AGM or until we get it right.”

The 2017 season will be a big one of change with the games going down to 40 overs from 42, the first time there has been a change in length since 1976.

The new points change is the first for 22 years, and could have big implications on how the season pans out.

Instead of 10 points for the win and 12 if they bowl the opposition out, winning teams will automatically get 15 points with the chance to earn 20 if they take all 10 of the opposition’s wickets. If unsuccessful, they will get a point for each two taken.

Losing sides can earn up to 10 bonus points; up to five bowling points at one for each two taken and up to five batting points for each 25 runs scored after reaching 75 and up to 175.

In rain affected games, either side can claim up to 30 minutes beyond the 7.30pm deadline if both agree a result could be achieved.

Walker said: “Hopefully, the new rules will promote more involvement and less games fizzling out to a draw. Hopefully, games will take less time to play so we could attract more players.”

Another change in the set-up will see the second team at Clara Vale, champions of the West Tyne in 1912, 1922 and 1923, replace Medomsley who have folded