The prospect of a merger between Shropshire’s two biggest cricket leagues has moved a step closer.

The Shropshire Cricket Board yesterday staged a meeting between Marston’s Premier League chairman Mike Robinson and his FBC Manby Bowdler League counterpart Ed Nicholas to discuss the possibility.

And the issue now rests with the Marston’s League, with clubs set to be consulted on the prospect next month.

“At the meeting yesterday we talked about the problems that seem to have arisen between the two leagues,” said Shropshire Cricket Board chairman Bob Williams.

“The Manby Bowdler League are very keen on a merger. Mike Robinson at the Marston’s League does not have a mandate for such a move but will investigate the possibility.

“As such, the Shropshire Cricket Board will pull together a meeting of Marston’s League Clubs, probably on Monday, May 23.”

FBC Manby Bowdler League officials led calls for a merger when they were angered by Marston’s League attempts to invite applications from clubs as they attempted to form a second division.

That was an attempt to trim the top flight from 14 clubs.

“The idea of a merger was put to the Marston’s League as one of a number of options to be considered back in November and was out-voted,” added Williams.

“My own view as chairman of the Board is that it is the only sensible way forward. Yes, there are a few niggles and constitutional issues to sort out but everybody will benefit.”

By JAMES GARRISON