WILDEN Industrial Estates Cricket League have continued their reputation as pioneers of the game in Wyre Forest by launching 10-10 cricket - a shortened version of 20-20.

League chairman Mark Hall hopes the new format will take off and believes its simple rules would be perfect for schools cricket.

"The aim is simple, to make cricket accessible to all in a shortened form after the working day," he said.

"It will involve every player in an active role and create mental challenges and intrigue.

"Teams will be challenged to show initiative and have fun as we use the first season as a pilot trial.

"We hope in future years 10-10 cricket will develop as rules evolve and more teams take part."

The league has been playing 20-20 cricket, albeit in a fifteen eight-ball over format, since it was established 30 years ago.

In 10-10, every player, except the wicket-keeper, will bowl one six-ball over off a maximum of eight paces.

There are no extra balls for wides and no-balls, just four runs added to the score on each occasion.

Every bowler who takes a wicket gains one bonus point, as do batsmen who reach 20 runs at which point they must retire.

There will be 16 teams in the round robin league stage when the innovative format gets under-way on Wednesday, August 9.

The strongest section of the league will be split into two divisions of four teams, A and B with the winners playing off for the title.

That format will be repeated with the eight teams in the weaker section who will play for a separate title in Divisions C and D.

Modest prize money is available for this year's winners, but league officials would welcome additional sponsorship.

Meanwhile, Quatt have been crowned Wednesday League Premier Division champions after J Whitney's unbeaten 80 and Craig Jones's fIgures of 4-24 helped them beat Cookley B.

Coombswood are relegated with Bewdley, Staggborough and Alveley fighting to avoid the second relgation spot.

In Division A, Old Halesonians just need one point to clinch the title from Lye Town B, while Stourport are relegated.

Division B leaders Spennells are also one point short of being champions while two from Brintons, George and Hartlebury will go down.

Unbeaten Division C champions Roxel marched on with a 10-wicket win over Areley Kings thanks to Russell Tovey (42 not out) and Matt Davies (36 not out).

In the Sunday League, Worths move top with three games to go after Matt Delo and Matt Roberts took three wickets each to sink Cookley.

Fixtures

Sunday August 6

Sunday Cup, semi-finals: Spennells v Moat Farm (D Bullers, P Kelly), Worths v Cookley (C Forrest, K Jordan).

Sunday Plate, semi-finals: Wolverley Social v Hartlebury (K Amer, G Barlow), DGSA v George (R Price, C Roncella).

Wednesday August 9

Wilden 10/10

League A: Lye Town A v Stagborough (B Brooks, K Jordan), Old Halesonians v Lye CC (R Clewes).

League B: Cookley B v Alveley (H Burley, A Burkes), OTS/Fire v Lye Town B (P Kelly, D Hartwell).

League C: Waterfront v Cookley A (C Forrest), Arley v Sportsman (K Amer, R Price).

League D: Spennells v Brinton (D Bullers, B Kelly), Bayton v Wolverley Village (G Barlow, J Dredge).