rescue package ERIC Whalley has come to the rescue of the Lancashire League by agreeing to sponsor the Worsley Cup this summer via his company EW Cartons.

Mr Whalley's three-year sponsorship of the league has just been taken over by Transco.

But chairman Bert Hanson said at last night's league annual meeting: "It's a great relief as we did not have a sponsor for the cup last season."

Mr Hanson also asked clubs at the Higher Trapp to improve discipline this summer.

"Standards of discipline slipped last season but there is a new code of conduct out and I hope you ensure all your players read and inwardly digest this report on the spirit of the game."

Vice-chairman Brian Murray revealed that all juniors, under 18, must now wear helmets when practising as well as in matches and wicketkeepers who stand up must also wear them.

The most significant rule change means that teams will collect three points, as opposed to two, in an uncompleted game.

Admission charges remain unchanged this summer and all the league officials were re-elected.

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