CHAIRMAN Clive Ricks’s new management team was elected unopposed at the MP Sports Cherwell League’s second extraordinary general meeting of the year last night.

Clubs took less than three minutes at Bicester & North Oxford CC to give the thumbs up to secretary Dick Giles, treasurer Len Payne and executive members Keith Arnold, Stuart Misseldine, Lee Morgan, Peter Tubb, Gary Murton and David Ward.

The meeting was held to endorse their nominations after Ricks, Giles and David Pryor defeated a group of eight rebel executive members in a struggle for power at an EGM in February.

Ricks told the clubs: “From the two meetings we have had, I think we have moved forward at some speed and I thank people for their support.”

The quickfire EGM was followed by the captains’ meeting ahead of the start of the season on, May 7.

Changes to playing rules include the reintroduction of fielding circles and the scrapping of the 7.30pm finish.

Ricks issued an appeal for clubs to help in the search for a major sponsor, with a figure of £15,000 being mentioned.

“I think it is fair to say the league has run on a fines culture and that is something we are keen to get away from,” he added.

Meanwhile, the league have been boosted by an influx of new umpires.

Officers elected - secretary: D Giles; treasurer: L Payne; executive members: K Arnold, S Misseldine, L Morgan, P Tubb, G Murton, D Ward.