Shropshire’s leading cricket league will have Sunday fixtures built into the regular season for the first time in its 39-year history next season.

The Marston’s Shropshire Premier League will have two rounds of Sunday fixtures on yet to be specified dates in 2009, and will also start the campaign one week early on April 18 and finish one week later.

The move was agreed at last night’s annual meeting at Reman Services as the league prepares to operate with 14 clubs for the first time.

A variety of options were muted as to how to accommodate the extra four fixtures, including playing on Bank Holidays.

But it has been decided that Sunday matches will provide the best solution.

The only time that games have been moved from Saturday to Sunday in the past were in 2006, when Shrewsbury Town reached the League Two play-off final at Wembley, and for the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.

Professionals

Officials were left with the headache after it was decided to operate with 14 teams after Oswestry’s relegation from the Midshires Birmingham League, Allscott’s promotion and the decision of champions Reman Services not to apply for promotion.

Much Wenlock were also granted a further season to complete improvements to their pavilion.

Meanwhile, the prospect of a number of clubs operating without overseas professionals next season has risen because of the tightening of Home Office restrictions.

It is understood that only players who have played five or more First Class games in their homeland over the past two years and are recognised coaches will be considered.

That issue is set to be clarified in the coming weeks with league chairman Mike Robinson and secretary and treasurer Brian Kitson due to learn more at a meeting on December 10.

The officials will then enlighten clubs and officials on the new rules at a Marston’s League meeting on December 15.

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