THE North Lindsey Cricket League will be on an equal footing next season, with three divisions of seven teams.

Previously there had been eight in the top section of the Sunday competition, only six in division two but seven in division three.

That means Alkborough 3rds, who would normally have gained promotion to the top flight as runners-up, will remain in division two for 2010.

There were no new applications for membership at the annual meeting, held at App-Frod's Brumby Hall cricket pavilion, and no clubs pulling out, leaving the competition to again operate with 21 teams next summer.

Due to some problems experienced with bad light late this season, clubs were asked to consider a rule change to start all April and September matches at 1.30pm, instead of 2pm.

There was also debate about whether all matches throughout the season might be brought forward to 1.30pm.

However, Jon Taylor (Hibaldstow) pointed out the knock-on effect earlier starts would have on those involved in other sporting activities.

It was agreed to leave the present rule in place but to stress clubs can mutually agree earlier start times in September, as long as they inform the league so the match umpires can be given due notice.

Mick Walker, fixture secretary of the Scunthorpe and District Umpires' Association, said: "It was a wonderful season for umpiring and the sportsmanship was very, very good."

He revealed Hibaldstow had won the coveted 'fair play' trophy.

In turn, clubs marked the umpires, with George Housam gaining the annual trophy for his performances.

Fixture secretary and vice-chairman Glen Sands said although there had been fewer problems relating to scoresheets this season, there was still much room for improvement.

"Can you give me as much information as you can," he asked club representatives.

He urged all teams to let him know as soon as possible their unavailable Sunday dates for home games.

Once received, work could start on drawing up the 2010 fixture list.

Chairman Dave Willey (Bottesford) made presentations to winning sides at league and cup level and to top individual performers.

It was agreed to save money and speed communications by emailing league correspondence to clubs, rather than using the post.

All league officials were re-elected: chairman, Dave Willey; vice-chairman and fixture secretary, Glen Sands; secretary, Paul Saunders; treasurer, Enid Girling.

HONOURS 2009

DIVISION ONE: Top batsman, Joe Allen (Marshalls); leading bowler, Liam Wood (Caistor); league – winners, Cleethorpes 5ths, runners-up Appleby-Frodingham 3rds; KO Cup – winners, Cleethorpes 5ths, runners-up Scunthorpe Town 4ths.

DIVISION TWO: Batting, Chin Perera (Haxey); bowling, Graham Clark (Luddington). League – winners, Barton Town 3rds, runners-up, Alkborough 3rds; KO Cup – winners, Brigg Town 3rds; runners-up, Haxey 3rds.

DIVISION THREE: Batting, Jon Loates (Wheatley & Leverton); bowling, Simon Peck (Everton); league – joint winners, Grimsby Town 3rds and Wheatley and Leverton; KO Cup – winners, Everton; runners-up, Grimsby Town 3rds.

FORMAT 2010

DIVISION ONE: Appleby-Frodingham 3rds, Barton Town 3rds, Caistor Cougars, Cleethorpes 5ths, Marshalls (Gainsborough), Messingham 3rds, Scunthorpe 4ths.

DIVISION TWO: Alkborough 3rds, Broughton 3rds, Grimsby Town 3rds, Haxey 3rds, Hibaldstow 2nds, Outcasts 3rds, North Wheatley and Leverton.

DIVISION THREE: Barton Academy Vikings, Bottesford, Brigg Town 3rds, Luddington, Everton 3rds, Misterton 2nds, Upton-Cum-Kexby.