An initial blueprint has been tabled for Shropshire cricket’s biggest revamp for a generation.

Under the plans for one Shropshire League, a premier would be supplemented by a further six divisions beneath it.

Each division would have 12 teams apart from the bottom tier which would absorb the remaining teams or any newcomers to the league but would only play 22 games.

Three reserve divisions will accommodate the second teams from the leading clubs with promotion and relegation between them.

Amongst other ideas to be considered are allowing third teams to play on a Sunday in order for them to use their main grounds as a home, and using Birmingham League rules – including 55 overs per side – for teams in the top flight.

The proposals were drawn up by a working party set up to oversee the merger of the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League and the FBC Manby Bowdler League.

The working party comprises three representatives from each of the leagues, as well as Shropshire Cricket Board members Bob Williams and Peter Mitchell.

“It’s a very complicated process but the plans came from the Manby Bowdler League and the Marston’s League representatives seemed pleased with it,” said SCB chairman Williams.

“The Manby Bowdler League had a meeting last night to discuss the issue and the Marston’s League will do likewise next Monday.”

Should the proposals be agreed, a meeting of the working party will be held on July 18 with discussions on issues such as the constitution and sponsorship.

With St Georges in danger of relegation from the Birmingham League, Reman Services not eligible for promotion from the Marston’s League should they finish top and Manby Bowdler League title favourites Wroxeter likely to apply for membership of the newly-formed top flight should they win the championship, four teams are set to be relegated from this season’s Marston’s League.

By JAMES GARRISON