LOCAL cricket clubs will be placed in divisions within the proposed Greater Manchester Cricket League dependent upon what score they achieve in a five-stage test.

The new league – which now looks almost certain to become reality and is likely to be the biggest in the country – is being proposed to replace the traditional local leagues in the area, including Bolton's two leagues which were formed in 1888 and 1930 respectively.

Supporters of the proposed new league believe it will solve many of the current problems facing clubs and leagues while also introducing promotion and relegation.

The league's working groups and steering committee have come up with a recommended structure which will have a Premier League at the top and several divisions below it.

The Premier League will cover the whole of the geographical area served by the league in the early proposals – as may one or two divisions below it – with the rest split into east and west divisions.

There are more than 150 clubs in Greater Manchester and the new structure has the capacity to accommodate all of them if necessary.

The number of divisions will be decided once it is known how many clubs want to join.

Junior and second and third teams will only play in east and west divisions.

A statement released by the steering committee says: "There is an understanding that, at the elite playing level, players and clubs are very willing to travel across wider areas to play the best cricket possible, and as we drop into more recreational cricket players and clubs wish to play on a more tighter geographical area, as does junior cricket."

The steering group have released information on their recommendations for the proposed new league now in order to give time to receive feedback on their recommended proposals before the release of a prospectus on the new league on April 30 at Emirates Old Trafford.

Players, umpires, club representatives and league administrators have all had input in the recommended structure and the steering group approved it unanimously at their fourth meeting on last week.

They recommend the top division should apply for ECB Premier Status from the outset.

Divisions will consist of 12 clubs and clubs will initially be placed in a division according to a five-stage test with marks out of 10 for each category and each category weighted higher or lower depending on how important they are deemed to be.

The categories in order of those which are deemed more important are:

* Playing surface (which carries an importance weighting of eight

* Playing performance (6)

* Facilities (6)

* General club score (5)

* Spectator/ancilliary facilities (2)

According to a statement released by the steering committee, the explanation of each category is as follows:

* Playing performance – A mark based upon the performance of each club over the last 10 years both at league level and in the Lancashire Knockout. The spreadsheet that will be used to carry out this assessment will be weighted to take account of individual leagues' standings. Within the spreadsheet points will be awarded to reflect the achievements of clubs against each of the following: champions, runners-up, cup winners, cup runners-up, Lancashire Knockout quarter-finalists, Lancashire Knockout semi-finalist, Lancashire Knockout finalists, Lancashire Knockout winners.

* Playing surface (pitches) – The ground committee of each league will be asked to produce a score for each club based upon a standard marking criteria produced by the steering group to avoid inconsistency of marking between leagues.

* Facilities – covers, nets, outfield, score box, ground equipment, player changing etc. Again to be scored by th ground committee of each league on a standardised basis.

* Spectator/ancillary facilities – clubhouse, viewing areas, car parking, refreshments, toilets, disabled access, PA systems etc. Again to be scored by the ground committee of each league on a standardised basis.

* Current club score – each league management committee to score their club as an overall package as they stand currently. A standardised marking scheme will be provided to ensure equality of marking. Issues will include the following: disciplinary record, administration with the league, non fulfilment of fixtures, umpires reports, strength of junior section, Clubmark position.

Martin Kay, chair of the steering group said: "The identified structure gives exciting change that the players are looking for, certainly active promotion and relegations ensures that the season is alive within the divisions all season long and the season will not be over when June is out as we see through the leagues' structures we have today.

"What also found favour from the players is that when we look at the top end we are creating the best possible conditions and cricket for our best cricketers, and that must help in retaining them in Greater Manchester.

"And as we come down the tiers, clubs and players can always find their appropriate competitive level. It is about creating the right environment for all Greater Manchester players and clubs.

"It is a very exciting time for Greater Manchester Cricket and we encourage all interested parties to feed in contributions should they wish. Our intention is to be open and transparent in everything that we are creating. It is a real team effort and my thanks go to everyone who has contributed so far."