Cricket: Two Bradford League clubs are taking a hard-headed attitude to the new helmet regulations which will apply to junior cricket this season.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have ruled that all players Under-18 must wear helmets when batting and keeping wicket up to the stumps in all matches and practice sessions unless their parents sign an official disclaimer.

But Great Horton and East Bierley say they will not allow any player to bat or keep wicket on their grounds who does not wear a helmet even if they have written permission.

Great Horton secretary Roy Light told last night's meeting of Bradford League clubs at Lidget Green: "We have taken legal advice and we believe the disclaimers are worthless.

"The burden of responsibility falls on the home team and we don't want to be the first club to face a legal challenge if a youngster is injured when not wearing a helmet."

Great Horton circulated a letter to member clubs outlining their position.

East Bierley representative Ben Hemming was equally forthright. "As a club we will not allow anybody to take part in a junior match or practice who does not wear a helmet to bat or keep wicket.

"Like Great Horton we have spoken to our lawyers and their view is that the disclaimers are not safe. This regulation has been introduced far too quickly, so fast in fact that there are even problems buying helmets."

League chairman Graham Reid warned that seven of the 29 member clubs had still to sign the Bradford League's letter of compliance with the new ECB directive.

They have until 1.15pm tomorrow to sign. If they don't meet the deadline they may face disciplinary action.

"The ECB called on top legal firms when they drafted the legislation and I believe it to be sound," Reid said.

The league have elected Central Yorkshire League teams Mirfield and Woodlands for next year.

Reid also said that the Executive Committee had decided against postponing tomorrow's opening day programme which could be disrupted following this week's wet weather.

"I know it will please some and not others, but it was the majority vote of the executive," he said.

Newly-promoted Yeadon, Lidget Green and Drighlington are all set for stern tests.

Yeadon visit Baildon who have been runners-up in the last two seasons while Lidget Green are at home to Priestley Cup winners East Bierley. Drighlington face the most difficult game of all at Pudsey Congs.

Congs have added Andy Bethel and Gary Brook from Spen Victoria, Neil Gill (Windhill), Gareth Clough (Pudsey St Lawrence), Azhar Abbas (Khalsa) and Barbar Butt (Doncaster Town) to an already strong squad.

Defending champions Hanging Heaton play Pudsey St Lawrence in the most attractive match of the day. Hanging Heaton have signed free-scoring Steve Foster from Gomersal.

St Lawrence, who are again led by former Yorkshire batsman Ashley Metcalfe, will be hoping for great things from South African Pierre De Bruyn who scored 1,138 runs for Second Division Esholt last year.

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