Champions St David’s have made a proposal to the Eastern Counties Cricket Association that the existing overs allotment of 70-48 be switched to 65-55, but with the draw remaining an option.

St David’s, who dethroned Bailey’s Bay in last year’s final, wrote to the Stephen Douglas. the Eastern Counties president, suggesting a change to the regulations on the back of the body inviting its member clubs to submit proposals on possible changes to the Island’s oldest and most popular county competition.

St David’s are suggesting that 120 overs for the day be made mandatory, with the team batting first allowed to bat a maximum 65 overs and that an allowance be made after the cut-off time to complete the remaining overs.

Wendell Smith, the St David’s coach, has acknowledged that the present format of 70-48 would favour his team, as the champions.

“The Eastern Counties Cricket Association meeting, I guess, would be to consider the different clubs’ proposals,” he said.

“Our proposal is 65-55 and it would still be a game where either team could win and a draw would still be a possibility. Some people think 60-60 would mean a straight 60-overs match but the Eastern Counties has always had the possibility of a draw being a result.

“Now it gives the champions the ability to hang on for a draw, so the challengers have to ‘think’ the players out in order to win.

“An open game is so much different from overs cricket, as far as the mental aspect. When you have to think players out who are playing for a draw, it is a big difference from knowing the other team will either get out or get the runs.

“We’re looking at what’s best for cricket, not what’s best for our team. It speaks highly of St David’s because as champions it would be easier to keep it 70-48, which favours the team that has the cup, especially if you win the toss and bat last. Then you can play for a draw from behind. The 22 overs is a huge differential and is unfair to the team that aren’t the cup-holders.”

St David’s are also suggesting that at the cut-off time for the end of the match that an allowance be made for the remaining overs to be completed if they have not been bowled.

The first round of the Eastern Counties will take place on July 19, with St David’s meeting Cleveland at Sea Breeze Oval.