Sometimes people can be stuck in their ways, other times traditional ­values override modern times – or quite often it can come down to old rivalries or vested interests.

However, a cricket community meeting on Tuesday night cast much of that aside with representatives from all first grade clubs in the district sitting around a table to discuss prospective changes in the local competition for the upcoming season.

It was an open forum with plenty of robust discussion, but the main issue was Twenty20.

Despite its prevalence on the international stage, its use in some junior representative ranks and the fact neighbouring associations have already picked it up, Twenty20 has not been officially played in Maitland.

Last season there was a trial in the lower grades of Maitland and District Cricket Association competitions.

The suggestion at this week’s meeting was to introduce Twenty20 to the top grades.

There was little to no argument in stopping Twenty20 from going ahead, the problem was finding the best way to implement it. 

Initially the parties were split about keeping Twenty20 within or out of the competition proper, but eventually a compromise was made to kick off 2014-2015 with a two-day carnival-like tournament on the October long weekend.

So before a ball is even bowled in the minor premiership rounds a title will have been decided.

On top of that, a separate one-day decider might be introduced in first grade, meaning that, in conjunction with the current two-day champion, three different clubs could claim grand final honours in the same summer. 

A more slim-lined point score system, coloured clothing for district one dayers and free-hit no-balls for limited over fixtures and there seems to be a bit of change in the cricketing air.