THE Shepherd Neame Kent League will increase from 56 to 60 teams next year to form six divisions of 10.

All sides will play each other twice and, said fixture secretary Errol Valentine, this should provide a better standard of cricket.

The Premier and Division 1 will remain unaltered, with two teams promoted and relegated.

The top two clubs from Division 2 will be promoted into Division 1 and the bottom two clubs from Division 1 relegated into Division 2. Instead of divisions of 18 clubs in Divisions 2 and 3, there will be four divisions of 10 clubs.

At the end of the forthcoming season, clubs finishing third to 10th in Division 2 plus the two teams relegated from Division 1 will form the new Division 2.

Clubs finishing 11th to 18th in Division 2 plus the two sides promoted from Division 3 will make up the new Division 3.

Clubs finishing third to 12th in Division 3 will form the new Division 4. Division 5 will consist of clubs finishing 13th to 18th in Division 3 plus four sides promoted from the feeder leagues, the old Mid-Kent and South Thames Leagues.

After the success of last season’s Shepherd Neame sponsored 20/20 competition, 64 clubs will be taking part this year. They will be made up of 57 Kent League teams plus seven guest sides.

Thirty-two clubs from London will be in the top half of the draw with the bottom half comprising the other 32.

Teams can wear coloured clothing if they wish and games will again be played with an orange ball.

The semi-finals and finals will be played at the end of August or beginning of September.