The move follows the recent merger between the Western Union and the two divisions of the Scottish League to form three conferences, places in which will determine divisional placements when the new Scottish National League gets under way in 1999.

The new Western Union will comprise three divisions which in 1999 will provide promotional access to the National League. Access to this competition will be provided through a new two divisional Glasgow League, in effect creating a five divisional feeder league.

The Scottish Cricket Union have appointed West of Scotland all-rounder Craig Wright as their development officer for the West District.

Wright, who won his first full Scottish cap last season, will have as his main objective the promotion and coaching of cricket at junior level, especially in primary schools. He has just completed his senior coaching award at Lilleshall.

Angus Dunlop (Dublin YMCA) has been appointed Ireland's captain for their first three Benson & Hedges Cup matches against Glamorgan (Dublin May 1) and Essex (May 4) and Middlesex (May 5).

IRELAND SQUAD: A R Dunlop (YMCA), O F Butler (Old Belvedere), G Cooke (Limavady), J O Davy (Pembroke), M Dwyer (The Hills), R L Eagleson (Carrick), D Heasley (Carrick), E C Joyce (Merrion), W K McCallan (Cliftonville), P McCrum (Armagh), J A M Molins (Carlisle), A D Patterson (Cliftonville).