THE Bolton Cricket League have thrown out a move to bring back overseas amateurs for next season writes Peter Mensforth

They have played without them for the past two seasons but a resolution for their return went before the League's annual meeting this week.

The vote went 17-15 in favour of allowing them back in but that came nowhere near the two thirds majority needed for the rule change to go through.

The debate concerning overseas amateurs has been a thorny issue for the League over a number of years.

The pro-lobby feels they improve the standard of play; their own efforts with the bat and ball being held as examples for younger players in the league to follow.

The argument against that is mainly based on the fact that a good overseas player can either occupy the crease too long or dominate the bowling giving local players less chance to shine.

They also point out that since the exclusion of overseas players, the League has twice reached the final of the Lancashire inter-league competition, underlining the development made by home grown players.

Another decision made at the meeting was to appoint two new life members, former chairman of ther League Peter Edmondson of Heaton, and Walkden Cricket Club president Frank Hinks,

They succeed Len Scott and George Meredith, who both died last year.

Also appointed at the meeting were two new league vice-presidents, Paul Eckersley of Farnworth Social Circle and Greg Salt, chairman of Eagley and the League's former treasurer .