The Shropshire cricket scene could be set for a major shake-up – with the county’s premier league eyeing a major expansion.

Officials at the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League today unveiled fresh plans to form a second division from 2012.

The idea was originally mooted in 2009 before being shelved but the league and its member clubs have now launched a fresh bid to attract new teams.

All clubs from within Shropshire or on the border would be able to apply to join, providing they had two Saturday teams.

The move is an attempt to reduce the first division back to its traditional 12 teams after a rise to 14 in recent seasons.

“We are determined to get down to 12 clubs and we had four options about how to go about it,” said league chairman Mike Robinson.

“We are inviting applications from all clubs from within Shropshire or on the border and they have to be received by May 16.

“We will look to make a decision within a couple of weeks because if clubs who want to join us are playing in another league, they have to resign for the next season by June 30.”

Amongst the other proposals considered to reduce the league to a dozen included relegating the number of teams required in one season, or waiting for clubs to drop out of the league, a scenario which could have taken years.

Robinson – who confirmed the second division could operate with less than 12 clubs initially, revealed that there are provisions for Shropshire clubs within the Birmingham League to return to the county structure should they wish.

But the move is likely to stir a response from the FBC Manby Bowdler League who complained about a potential loss of clubs when the proposal was aired two years ago.

By JAMES GARRISON