Delph & Dobcross skipper Grant Jones is firmly behind moves to change playing conditions in the Drakes Huddersfield League.

The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman has been leading the Huddersfield Road club for the last 14 years and feels a freshen-up to encourage more young players to stay in the game is a must.

Proposals to do exactly that will be revealed to all first and second XI captains, plus leading officials from all 38 Drakes League clubs, at a special meeting at Elland on Wednesday.

Hullen Edge’s Baines Hall should be packed (7.30) for what could be a landmark night in the league’s history.

Key elements of how matches are staged will be looked at, in addition to playing regulations and points systems, and clubs will be asked to consider their views, stating which of the best proposals should be brought in.

Jones believes a shake-up could prove valuable, although he is not one pushing for bonus points to be introduced.

“I am definitely in favour of some changes and, for first-team cricket, I think we need fielding circles and leg-side wides,” said the 46-year-old.

“In second XI cricket I’m no sure the leg-side wides should be implemented because we are trying to blood young cricketers and improve them and they my struggled with that, but in the first teams I have no problem with fielding circles and leg-side wides.

“As far as the points system is concerned, I have no real problem with the present one because it is fairly straightforward.

“For me, when you start introducing bonus points it can become a bit messy.

“I like the 75% rule (for points in the second innings) because it stops negative cricket and, overall, I think the current points system works quite well.”

Jones says it is imperative for clubs to keep young players involved and if changes are needed, then so be it.

“We have to encourage young kids – you can’t just keep importing cricketers,” added Jones. “It’s vital for clubs to produce their own players and once they’ve played in the junior set-ups, we want them playing good second XI cricket and really enjoying the game.”

Three matches got under way on Saturday, with Delph and Slaithwaite attempting a 25-over thrash in the Premiership.

Delph reached 95-3 in 15 overs before thunder, lightning and heavy rain brought an end. Greg Buckley was 46 not out.

In the Jedi Sports Championship, Moorlands beat Lascelles Hall while Thongsbridge and Armitage Bridge were involved in a tie, Haydn Charlton taking five wickets for Armitage Bridge and Zafar Iqbal five for the home side.

Drakes Premiership: Delph & Dobcross 95-3 (G Buckley 46no, A Lilley 40) v Slaithwaite (Abandoned).

Jedi Sports Championship: Moorlands 132-5 (S Lane 38no; S Scott 3-81) Lascelles Hall 107-4 (S Scott 42, N Sharp 30).

Jedi Sports Championship: Thongsbridge 100-6 (T Raven-Hill 32; H Charlton 5-42) Armitage Bridge 100 (B Walsh 34; Z Iqbal 5-23).