THE AGM of the Vaux Northern Cricket League saw vice-chairman Norman Brown succeed Cornishman Ken Wilton as chairman after 19 years of service.

Ken, aged 75, became a league umpire in 1959 and spent eleven years as league and umpires' secretary from 1970 to 1981.

David Smalley will continue as secretary until a replacement can be found.

Clubs have been asked to submit replacement names to the executive committee.

In recognition of Ken Wilton's service he was presented with a cheque on behalf of the clubs and made an honorary life vice-president.

The points system was completely revised and for the first time, 15 points will be awarded to the side batting first if they win, but only 12 for the team batting second who wins.

There are three batting bonus points but only two bowling bonus points.

Umpires have been awarded a 33A per cent pay rise.

A proposal was that all league clubs sign a five-year loyalty agreement binding themselves to play in the Vaux Northern Cricket League was deferred until league solicitor Chris Lavery produces a document for discussion at the next meeting.

The league will increase by two clubs from the start of the 1999 cricket season and the vacancies are to be advertised.

The league agreed to support the ICC policy that players involved in proved drugs cases are not to be allowed to play in the league.

Because of lack of support the third division has been wound up.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.