GB LINERS Marches League champions Garnons will be heading into their defence of the title under new leadership.

Club chairman Steve Newton, who has been in office for 15 years, has decided to stand down from his role.

During his period in office, Garnons have become the most successful side in the Marches League since its formation in 1992.

But now, after 25 years with the club he has decided to make way for a fresh face.

"Steve has given an unbelievable amount of time and energy to not only Garnons but also to Herefordshire cricket," said his successor Phil Brace.

"He will be sorely missed and a very tough act to follow."

As a token of their appreciation, Garnons presented Steve with an engraved silver tankard and a signature bat, signed by many current and former players, and his wife Chris, who supported Steve and the club through his 15 years in office, received a bouquet of flowers.

There will be a new administrator at the helm of the Marches League next season, too, after Mike Rouse was elected to succeed Derrick Jones at their annual meeting.

Despite a proposal to the contrary for lower division games, all matches will continue to start at 2pm but Division Four and Five matches will be reduced to 80 overs with a maximum of 10 per bowler.

The league administrator's honorarium will be increased to £1,000 which will be financed by an increase of £20 in the subscription for all teams.

Ewyas Harold were elected as league affiliate members for 2014.