THE Hereford Times Hereford and District Cricket League have toughened up their criteria for the new season with the threat of points deductions for omissions.

Clubs failing to ring in their results by the stipulated times on Saturday nights will lose five points, as will those whose boundaries are not marked by ropes or white lines. Teas should be taken between innings.

The league aim to bring in other improvements to assist with either the amalgamation of leagues or the promotion of clubs.

Each club will be expected to have first aid kits at their ground and 12 months has been given to ensure that adequate toilet facilities are provided. Insurance to at least a level of public liability is expected.

The league will this season supply six free balls to each team competing and these should be collected from Pavilion Sports in St Owen Street, Hereford.

There will also be monthly team awards, starting with the highest team score in each of the three divisions in May. The league starts this Saturday.

Division 1 side Hereford Nomads have amalgamated with Wellington CC, to be known as Wellington Nomads, and will play home games at the village.

Clubs who have not yet received handbooks should contact secretary Peter Sykes on 01432 264703 for collection.

n Young cricketers around the county have taken part in a successful new Proficiency Award Scheme run by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The 12-week courses took place at leisure centres in Hereford, Bromyard, Kington, Leominster and Wigmore, plus Haywood and John Kyrle High Schools.

Participants were judged on their fielding, batting, bowling and wicket-keeping skills, in addition to a short oral test with a general cricket theme.

It was the first time that the awards had been staged and therefore only bronze awards were on offer for which youngsters had to attain a pass rate of 40 per cent.

Certificates and badges were presented to the successful cricketers and the top achievers in both age groups at Haywood, where there were 30 passes, also received vouchers.

Haywood High School results, 10-13 years top five: C Ratcliff 86 per cent, O Stratford 86, S Brotherhood 83, L Mills 83, A Horsefield 83; 14-16 years top five: M Charlton 92, A Riley 80, R Sweetman 72, D Price 72, L McGiven 63.

n The draw for the first round of the Hereford-shire County Under-12 Cricket Cup has been made with 13 schools competing.

The winners will qualify for next year's National Under-13 competition.

First round draw (ties to be played by May 19): Minster v St Richard's, Weobley v Lady Hawkins, St Mary's v Fairfield, John Masefield v John Kyrle, Cathedral v Aylestone.