A leading member of the Bradford Mutual Sunday School League Umpires’ Association has been won over by the former Bradford Central League clubs.

Umpires’ chairman Trevor King said in his annual report: “I was initially not in favour of the Central League sides joining the Mutual Sunday School League but, having umpired most and watched the remainder of the new teams, my opinion has changed.

“I have been suitably impressed by the quality of their cricket, responsible behaviour and a more ‘professional’ attitude compared to many of the Mutual Sunday School sides, with batting, bowling and definitely fielding at a higher level than that found within the Sunday School sides.”

The introduction of Central League sides did have a negative aspect.

King said: “The downside was obviously the lack of umpires provided by the new clubs. This is a factor that has to change for next season.”