EGERTON have resigned from the Bolton Cricket League which has had eight Bolton Association clubs apply to join its new expanded structure so far.

Egerton are the first Bolton club to leave either of the town's two cricket leagues.

Their decision, made last night at an extraordinary general meeting, means two Bolton League clubs have quit to join the Greater Manchester League. Eleven have committed to playing in a new expanded Bolton League which will begin next season.

The other, Eagley, will hold a meeting on Thursday, June 25 to make their decision.

The number of clubs in the expanded Bolton League which will start next season is now up to 19 with others expressing an interest.

Egerton are one of the 12 founder members of the Bolton League, being invited along with Walkden by the other 10 to join in 1929.

A statement issued by the club today and signed by chairman David Fairclough, said: "Over the last month the club has considered the two proposals on offer, which were an expansion of the Bolton Cricket League to two divisions or joining the Greater Manchester Cricket League in 2016.

"The club published both offers and made these available to all the members of the club to consider. The process involved an open meeting for general discussion, a period for members to consider the options and last night’s EGM and the decision has not been made lightly.

"The EGM held on Thursday 11th June at the club was attended by a cross section of the whole membership including representatives of the junior and senior sections, coaches, committee members and social members and following much discussion the membership by a clear majority decided that the Greater Manchester structure would best suit the club.

"The senior players confirmed they are happy to travel for the right level of competition and playing facilities.

"Egerton Cricket Club was 150 years old last year and are founder members of the Bolton Cricket League; during that time the club has had good and bad times but have always tried to improve both on and off the field and this decision taken on the 11th June 2015 will go down in the history of the club. What cannot be taken away is the history and tradition that Egerton Cricket Club has enjoyed over the last 85 years being an active member of the Bolton Cricket League.

"We would like to thank the Bolton League and although we have parted we remain good friends and wish the League all the very best in its future plans.

On behalf of the committee."

Egerton could, however, face a problem with where their juniors play.

They are on one of the far edges of Bolton from Greater Manchester and may be concerned about travel.

The statement adds: "Although the structure of junior cricket for a club like Egerton remains a concern the club is confident that this issue will be resolved by all leagues and the LCB working together to ensure increased participation."

The Bolton News understands the Bolton League will only include junior sides from clubs in the BCL.