THE Bolton Cricket League will start life as one division next year.

Clubs decided on the single-division format for the first season rather than starting with two divisions at a meeting last night.

The expanded 22-club league – which comprises 12 of the Bolton League's current 14 clubs plus 10 who are joining from the Bolton Association – will then go to two divisions in 2017.

The issue has been the subject of discussion among clubs and much debate on social media in recent weeks.

The League's initial intentions were to have one division in the first season with the top half forming a top division and the bottom half a second tier.

Two weeks ago it appeared a two-division structure had become the more popular option with clubs and would be implemented.

But it is understood there were strong objections from a couple of Bolton League clubs which led to last night's vote on the two options.

A League official said there was a "clear majority" in favour of the one-division option.

The Bolton Association clubs joined the meeting after the vote when issues such as the name of the new expanded league and use of the Association's famous old trophies were discussed.

The meeting is said to have been amicable with those clubs for whom the decision did not go their way not too disappointed with the outcome.

Members of the Association have already been co-opted on to some of the Bolton League's sub-committees and the League is confident its structure is workable for the successful and convenient provision of first, second, third team and junior cricket of a good standard.

It was agreed to postpone discussions over what the league will be called until the Association clubs are entitled to a vote at the next annual general meeting in December at the earliest.