It's all change in The Oxford Times Cherwell League this season with new playing rules and a different points system, writes Russell Smith.

After clubs voted for change, the Cherwell have aligned themselves with the Home Counties Premier League.

Instead of 50 overs-a-side games in Divisions 1-6, the split will now be 52-48 in favour of the side batting first.

Meanwhile, games in Divisions 7-9 will have a 47-45 split.

The strict interpretation of legside wides disappears along with fielding circles.

League secretary Peter Tomlin said the changes had been driven by the likes of Oxford and Banbury, and were geared at giving clubs a better chance of survival following promotion from the Cherwell.

He said one change which should be welcomed was that it would be an advantage to win the toss.

Registration has also been scrapped for teams playing in Divisions 7-9 to help clubs field sides.

POINTS SYSTEM.

Win: 25pts.

Tie: 15pts.

Loss: 0pts.

Draw: 3pts.

Abandoned: 6pts each or bonus pts earned - whichever is greater.

Cancelled: 6pts.

Scores level in drawn match - team batting first: 3pts; team batting second: 5pts.

BONUS POINTS.

(Awarded to losing team and to both teams in event of a draw).

Batting: 1pt each for reaching 100, 130, 160, 190, 220 runs. This will only apply during first 50 overs of each innings of matches in Divs 1 to 6.

Bowling - Team bowling first: 1pt each for taking 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 wkts. Five bowling points will apply if a side is all out, regardless of number of wkts taken.Team bowling second: 1pt for each wkt taken.