RECORD-breaking spin star Jon Fielding says limits to the number of overs one bowler can bowl in Foster’s Lancashire League games are the best thing to have happened to the competition – and believes the new rule could make this season one of the best in years.

On Wednesday night clubs voted through a proposal to introduce a cap of 17 overs for one bowler and 14 for all the rest.

Concerns had been raised about the idea from some quarters but Ramsbottom captain Fielding, who narrowly missed out on becoming the first man to claim 100 wickets in three successive seasons last term, is delighted with the move.

“I think it is brilliant,” said the former Lancashire left-armer. “It means captains will have to think – and it means more bowlers will have to be brought through at clubs.

“You will need five or six bowlers in a team and that means the younger lads will be getting involved and having a bowl.

“It means clubs will be stronger as a whole and it will set them up better for years to come.”

Fielding, who bowled 391 overs last term, is perhaps a surprise supporter of the move but says he wants the best for the league for the future.

“I know some people have said that we might struggle at Ramsbottom with needing the extra bowlers,” added the 39-year-old. “We have done okay in the Worsley Cup where the overs are limited to 10 per player.

“I am not sure if 17 and 14 are the right numbers but those figures can be sorted out in time.

“But one thing I do know is that a good bowler can still do a heck of a lot of damage in 14, 15, 16 or 17 overs.”

* Have your say on the rule changes, email matt.donlan@nqnw.co.uk with your views.