Eastern Counties officials have taken a bold step towards increasing the entertainment value of the mid-summer series.

During a special meeting on Monday, following increased concerns that the popular competition was losing some of its appeal, affiliates voted in favour of a new incentive which they hope will diminish the chances of matches ending in a boring draw.

The latest move will see the team batting first allocated 60 percent or 70 of the day's 118 overs in which to bat.

The second batting side will receive 40 percent or 48 overs during which to surpass the required winning target.

However, should the team batting first be dismissed prior to their allotted overs, then the spare overs will be allocated to the team batting second.

The new format will remain in the event of games being affected by rain.

In another move to discourage teams adopting a negative approach by deliberately bowling down the leg side or batting slowly, punitive measures have been implemented.

During the final of the 2000 contest, then Bailey's Bay skipper Charlie Marshall refused to bat after St.David's' declared their innings at 6.30 p.m. which left his team just 14 overs to achieve the winning target of 292 at Sea Breeze Oval.

St. David's' all rounder Lionel Cann has previously suggested that "limited overs" was the way to go.

The Eastern Counties remains the Island's only counties competition still to convert to the 50-overs format.

Chairman of the Eastern Counties rules and regulations committee, Stephen Douglas, yesterday confirmed the new measures and also encouraged the respective teams to adopt an aggressive approach to the competition.

"If we feel that the bowler is deliberately avoiding the batsman, then the umpire will signal a wide ball for bowling negatively," said Douglas.

"And there is also a fine for clubs who don't want to tow the line if they are found to be deliberately bowling or batting too slowly."

Champions St.David's are scheduled to open the defence of their title on July 20 against Cleveland County at Sea Breeze Oval.