The Bradford Mutual Sunday School League have brought in a new points system for 2011.

A win will score 25 points (with no bonus points) instead of six, while the losing side can gain up to ten bonus points (five for batting, five for bowling).

A winning draw will score 16 points, plus a maximum of four bowling bonus points, while both teams can score bonus points if a game is abandoned.

Five points will be given to each side in an unfinished match, while they will get six points plus bonus points in a tie.

Batting points start at 75-99 runs (one point), with a further point available at each of 100-124, 125-149, 150-174 and 175 and over.

Bowling points, awarded only to the losing side, will be gained for two to three wickets (one point), four to five wickets (two points), six to seven wickets (three points) and eight to nine wickets (four points).

The new system – which is the brainchild of life-vice president Stewart Roberts and umpires’ association vice-chairman Paul New-bould – was passed 23-2 at the league’s annual meeting at Clayton Rugby Club.

Umpires’ fees have unan-imously been increased from £22 to £24, while another unanimous rule change was that umpires sharing a car can only claim a total of £8 travelling expenses.

A move to bring in specimen signatures for every registered player only received six votes for and six against, meaning that it failed.

The league recorded a profit of £578 on the year ended October 31, 2010.

It contrasted starkly with a loss of £1,153 in 2009.

League and cup fees bro-ught in a total of £1,560 compared to £1,170, while fines accrued £1,731 compared to £1,309.

  • The Bradford Mutual Sunday School League’s Umpires’ Association are holding a laws course on Thursdays from January 20 to February 24 at Clayton Rugby Club (7.30pm-9.30pm).

All new umpires must attend all six weeks, plus captains and their deputies if possible.

The umpires must pass the exam, which will be held at the same venue on Thurs-day, March 3 (7.30pm).

Further information is available from umpires’ secretary Alan Broadbent on 01274-734771.