Flatts Victoria Recreation Club and Cleveland County Cricket Club now stand to profit from a controversial new policy recently imposed by the Eastern Counties Cricket Association (ECCA).

For the first time in the competition's 105-year history, monies obtained from rented spots at Eastern Counties matches will be shared by all four ECCA affiliates rather than being pocketed solely by the host club as has been the case for decades.

It is understood Flatts and Cleveland were the driving force behind the new policy that was first proposed a couple of years ago and after much debate finally accepted in principle during a special meeting held earlier this week.

Bailey's Bay, hosts for this year's competition which kicks off on Saturday at Sea Breeze Oval, and cup holders St.David's initially objected to the proposal but have since had a change of heart.

"Over the years the host clubs (St.David's and Bailey's Bay) have handled these funds (from rented spots) for the bettement of their organisation and so they didn't initially embrace this with open arms. But I think they eventually saw the light and we are indeed pleased by all the parties who helped bring this matter to an amicable conclusion," commented ECCA president Harold Millett.

Unlike St.David's and Bailey's Bay, neither Flatts or Cleveland have their own venue to host Eastern Counties matches and as a result have been unable to generate considerable revenue from staging the event themselves, making Lords and Sea Breeze Oval the only two venues available to host the annual mid-summer spectacle - second only to Cup Match.

"The teams without a ground or a sports facility have been in a very unfortunate position which has been recognised by the association. We have spent a great amount of time working with all parties concerned, and I am happy to say that we have come to a happy medium and this will be reviewed as time goes on," Millett said.

Flatts and Cleveland have not won the coveted Eastern Counties cup in over two decades.

"It is most unfortunate that Cleveland and Flatts have been without the trophy for a number of years and experience has shown me that your membership grows when you are the champion," added Millett.

"It has been a struggle for them and we are trying to improve the competition and everyone must put their shoulder to the wheel and try and improve the financial end.

"There will probably be some discomfort in one or two areas, but we are working to overcome the trials and tribulations and I think in the end this new policy will help Flatts and Cleveland."

Millett further revealed that spots at Esatern Counties matches will now be rented on a first come first serve basis moving forward while in the event the cup changes hands during the opening two rounds the final will remain at the venue designated to host the competition for that particular year.

The former St.David's opening batsman/wicketkeeper and president also dismissed claims that Flatts and Cleveland had threatened to boycott this year's competition if the proposal they had backed to the core fell through.

"It was never the intentions of the affiliates to go to those extremes," Millett insisted.

"The people that represent the respective clubs are there for the betterment of the competition rather than just for their club, which is the aim of the association."

Saturday will see cup holders St.David's rest their title on the line against Cleveland at Sea Breeze Oval in what will be a repeat of last year's final that saw the Islanders prevail by 57-runs after being skittled out for 149 in a low-scoring affair at Lords.