THE Bolton Cricket League are making sweeping changes to its format next season.

The League, which accepted nine ex-Bolton Association clubs this season to increase its number from 14 to 21, will vote on another new-set-up next season.

They had planned to go to two divisions of 11 and 10, a plan which was tweaked to 10 and 10 recently when Standish opted to move to the Southport and District League at the end of this season.

However, some of the established Bolton League clubs are concerned about the reduction in income caused by only having 18 league games, which is eight fewer than they had up to last season.

As a result clubs discussed some new format options at their monthly meeting at Tonge Cricket Club on Monday night, which were whittled down to two which will be voted on next week.

Option one is to have one division of 12 clubs and one of eight clubs. The top division of 12 would play each other twice with the second division of eight playing each other three times.

There would be two teams promoted to the top division with two dropping from the top division to the second tier.

Option two is to have two divisions of 10 clubs who would play each other twice.

The top five in the top division would take their points forward and play each other once more for the championship.

The bottom five in the top division would take their points forward and play each other for the remaining three Lancashire Knockout positions and the two relegation places.

The top five in the second division would take their points forward and play for the two promotion places. The bottom five would also play each other.