A WEEKEND of fine weather saw the crowds come out and enjoy some great games of cricket, none more so than the Hamer Cup tie between Kearsley and Farnworth.

That game had everything – good batting, bowling, fielding, hard graft for runs, big hits and suspense as the fortunes for either side ebbed and flowed.

Kearsley eventually ran out the winners with five balls to spare in a match played hard but in good spirit.

At that game a piece of wood flew off the batsman's bat and it brought to mind the law involving hit wicket.

If a batsman lets go of his bat and it hits the wicket while playing at the ball he is out, as he is if a piece of his bat flies off and dislodges the bails.

Watching the Lancashire versus Yorkshire T20 on Friday, we saw a rather embarrassed Liam Plunkett left with the bat handle in his hand while the main part of the bat was flying through the air.

If that had hit the wicket then he would have been out.

Speaking about bats, there is talk of altering the law relating to size and weight of them to make the battle between bat and ball more equal.

In today’s cricket, the bats have increased in thickness, are heavier than they used to be and the ball seems to be hit further. It will be interesting to see what the law makers come up with.

Next year is a big year for law changes with many being re-written in the biggest shake up since 2000.

Player behaviour has been a big concern in many leagues, counties and countries judging from recent reports and the powers that be intend to do something about it.

It is classed as one reason for players leaving the game, as well as lack of umpires taking up the challenge.

Some leagues are experimenting with yellow and red cards, others with a sin bin and some with a points system like the one operated in some counties, and others with penalty runs awarded on the spot.

It’s a pity it’s come to this. Umpires do their best to give the right decision but some players will always disagree.

It’s about being able to control the disagreement that is important.

Yes, the batsmen will be disappointed, but it could be his error that has led to the dismissal and yet the umpire gets the blame.