The second half of the Shepherd Neame Kent League season begins this weekend with the introduction of several experimental rule changes for Premier Division matches which could eventually benefit Kent CCC.

For the remainder of the campaign, matches in the top flight will be a maximum of 50 overs per side, as opposed to 55 and each bowler will only be allowed a maximum of 10 overs instead of 15.

In addition, the fielding side will only be allowed to have two fielders outside the circle for the first 15 overs.

Also there will be no drawn matches, although the league are retaining ‘incomplete’ games in case of severe rain interruptions.

Errol Valentine, the league’s fixture and registration secretary, said: "The Premier Division clubs requested that we switched to straight ‘win/lose’ cricket but in order to qualify for ECB grants, we must play ‘win/draw/lose’ matches for at least half our season. We will see how these changes work out and then discuss them at the end of the season."

St Lawrence captain Lewis Jenkins said: "It will produce more exciting matches because teams batting second will be encouraged to make more run chases rather than settling for a draw after losing a few wickets.

"Also, the Kent League nowadays is full of young aspiring cricketers who want to go further in the game and we think these changes will help to produce more potential Kent county cricketers.

"The links between Kent CCC and the Kent League are becoming stronger thanks to Kent’s academy director Phil Relf.

"It’s going to be a case of ‘suck it and see’ with these rule changes but I think they will eventually be introduced for the whole of the Kent League because it’s got to be the way forward."