THE Revolutions Trowbridge and District League have broken a 107-year tradition by introducing three points for a win.

The rule change from two points for a victory was agreed at the league's annual meeting. League chairman Roly Hill said: "I suppose we have finally caught up with the modern age, although I don't think it will make much difference.

"We looked back at how the divisions have finished for the past five years and the new points system would not have made any difference to the standings.

"But it is something the clubs have asked for and it went through unchallenged at the meeting."

A more controversial change allows team to name up to five substitutes for each match.

Said Mr Hill: "I was not in favour of this rule because I think it will suit the bigger clubs.

"The rule encourages teams to increase their squad numbers, which means you are likely to have the same players sitting on the bench and doing nothing every week. "But it was what the clubs wanted and we have to respect that. If it doesn't work we can always change back to three substitutes for next season."

League secretary Ian Hibbard said the newly introduced deterrent of a £40 fine and the deduction of one point for calling off matches had worked, with the number of unsanctioned postponements falling by 71 per cent to a total of just 16.

Hibbard said: "I hasten to add that none of us take any great pleasure in censuring clubs in this way, and would certainly not describe it in terms of it being a roaring success because we would much prefer to see the matches being played, but the figures quite clearly demonstrate that the trend has been put into reverse.

"There was also a marked improvement in on and off the field during the season, although a couple of incidents involving improper conduct towards referees had caused concern."