THE Bolton Cricket League have made a five-point appeal to clubs considering joining their new expanded league.

The Bolton League has 19 clubs committed to joining the new league which will start next season.

There are at least four other clubs from other league also considering becoming part of the new set-up with three of them also contemplating the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

The Bolton League's deadline for applications is Sunday and league officials are keen to get what they see as relevant key points over to any clubs still considering their decision.

A senior member of the Bolton League committee said: "It's important any teams who are undecided between us and another league are clear on the benefits they will get by coming with us.

"A major point, we believe, is if they come to us it will be a lot easier for them in a couple of years to join the GML if they so wish.

"It's a lot harder to go the other way. If they joined the GML now and found it didn't work out for them it will be a lot harder to go the other way.

"We think that's a really key point.

"It's the unknown with the GML at the moment and joining us gives clubs the chance to move more easily if that's what they would want to do. We believe it's something they should be aware of when making their decision."

The Bolton League also believe they offer a better geographical option because clubs will know exactly the locations of where they will be travelling.

They feel they can offer security in structure and standard with clubs knowing who they will be playing against and what standard they will be playing at.

They believe they offer a better model for both second-team and junior cricket.

They claim the 2nd XI cricket will be simpler to organise and run while the junior section is based in a more compact area geographically and is already thriving.

The Greater Manchester League and Bolton Leagues are both looking certain to be in operation next season while a new 'Pennine League' is also looking increasingly likely in the east of Manchester following a proposed merger of the Central Lancashire and Saddleworth leagues.