Powerplays will be introduced into the Shepherd Neame Kent League Premier Division clubs in the second half of the season which begins on Saturday week.

The suggestion put forward by Kent County Cricket Club earlier this year, was agreed at a meeting at Beckenham on Thursday night and starts on Saturday July 11. Designed to encourage more positive results, it will bring the league in line with the Friends Provident Trophy competition.

Powerplays will be introduced in the first 15 overs of each innings, with a minimum of seven fielders inside the 30 yard circle, including two close-catchers.

Matches will be reduced from 55 overs to 50, with a maximum of 10 by each bowler. There will be 18 points for a win, with the side scoring fewer runs also receiving bonus points. Games affected by bad weather can be reduced to a minimum total of 40 - 20 each side.

League spokesman Errol Valentine said: “Kent want the league to produce more players who could make the step-up to county cricket. The general view at the meeting was let’s give it a go and talk again at the end of the season to see if it’s been successful.”