RUPERT A, reigning champions of the BSF Ladies Rounders League, have served notice of their determination to mount a successful defence of their title.

After beating NATural Style in the final of the Champion of Champions tournament at Walkden Cricket Club, Rupert opened their league programme in convincing fashion at Horwich CC where they demonstrated their quality by winning by an innings.

Elsewhere, however, the first week of competitive rounders prompted the league to remind teams of the rules regarding match call-offs.

After glorious weekend weather, the following evening’s games were played in a biting wind, rain and the loss of light, prompting 14 of the 78 matches to be abandoned for bad light were abandoned for bad light, including one in Section A. Two other games were conceded because one side could not raise the minimum of six players.

When a team concedes a match, they will be fined and have two points deducted, but the match will have to be rearranged by the match secretary.

The non-defaulting team will not be awarded points, they have to play for them.

Any abandoned games must be rearranged within 14 days. If the teams cannot agree, the match secretary will arrange the fixtureh.

Teams have also been reminded that match cards must be sent to the results co-ordinator.

Cards can be faxed or emailed and results can be phoned in, provided the card is also sent.

Nicholson have withdrawn for Section B leaving nine teams, and Taj Ladies A dropped out of Section C leaving just eight.