ONLY premier division clubs in the York Senior League will be able to hire overseas players in 2008.

Member clubs gave their overwhelming support to the League Committee's proposal to outlaw overseas players in division two in 2007 and then extend the restriction to division one in 2008.

The move to restrict overseas players should give more scope to home-grown talent and it relates to players who come to the United Kingdom specifically to play cricket. But, in a similarly well supported proposal, the clubs also backed an easing of restrictions relating to non-England qualified players who are resident in the UK.

Such players will now be eligible throughout all divisions although the requirement for each team to have ten England qualified players remains intact.

In a ground-breaking decision, clubs agreed by 32 votes to 26 to introduce bowling restrictions in divisions three to six whereby no bowler may deliver more than 12 overs in an innings.

A unprecedented 19 clubs were required to seek re-election - virtually all due to adverse ground marks following an extremely difficult year for groundsmen due to extreme weather.

However, all the applicants gained solid support from their fellow member clubs and were re-elected with large majorities.

Two of the clubs, Acomb and Thirsk, faced a nervous period as clubs balloted whether their inadequate ground marks would prevent them participating in the premier division in 2007. However their fears were allayed when member clubs voted in their favour thereby confirming that the promotion and relegation positions shown in the final league tables should stand.

One new club was elected to the league for 2008 when Hull YPI polled 31 votes in favour to 28 against. They will be joined by Driffield III whose support was marginally better at 31 to 26.

The meeting heard glowing tributes to retiring president Jeff Carlton on the completion of his successful three-year term of office and gave a warm welcome to new league president, George Myerscough Another departure saw Colin Armstrong standing down from his twin role as league assistant secretary and disciplinary investigating officer and thus ending his 16-year spell on the league committee.

Both Carlton and Armstrong were made vice-presidents of the league along with Joe Lumb committee chairman Norman Pearson and brothers Keith and Kevin Hollinrake who are directors of the League's sponsors, Hunters the property group.

All the officers of the league were re-elected unopposed as were committee members Bill Carter, Richard Musgrave, Mick Oldfield, Bob Paddison and Denzil Webster. The meeting also confirmed the switch from assistant secretary to full secretarial status of John Goodrick (grounds and facilities secretary) and Rob Richtering (registrations secretary) Rule changes relating to the league's two cup competitions included the introduction of the one-day leg-side wide rule and a lower age limit in respect of junior players.

York Senior League Cup draws

Hunters York and District Senior League
Hunters League Premier CupFirst round: Sessay v Hull Zingari, Woodhouse Grange v Dunnington, Pickering v Thirsk, Acomb v Beverley Town, Malton & Old Malton v Easingwold, Clifton Alliance v Heworth, Stamford Bridge v Hornsea, Sheriff Hutton Bridge v Studley Royal. Ties to be played on Monday, May 28.

Edward Readman Trophy

Preliminary round: Rowntrees (15) v Fenner (30), Wilberfoss (30) v Cawood (60), York II (scr) v Sheriff Hutton (30). To be played non or by Sunday, May 13.

First round: Rowntrees or Fenner v Wilberfoss or Cawood, York II or Sheriff Hutton v Yapham (60), Goole Town (scr) v Welton (45), Huby (45) v Osbaldwick (15), Folkton & Flixton (scr) v Harrogate (45), Bridlington (15) v Ripon (15), New Earswick (15) v Londesborough Park (30), Whitkirk (scr) v Thorp Arch & Boston Spa (30), Carlton Towers (scr) v Crayke or Stillington, Castleford (45) v Bubwith (45), Sewerby (15) v Pocklington (scr), Huntington (60) v Duncombe Park (15), Driffield (scr) v Dringhouses (15), Civil Service (45) v Selby (45), Hovingham (30) v Tadcaster Magnet (15), Bolton Percy (15) v Scarborough (scr). Ties to be played on Monday, May 28.

Figures in brackets indicate handicap starts.