League officials green-lighted the Knights’ request to field a division two side on Monday night after the club secured last year’s third grade premiership.

It is understood other factors, such as Nirranda’s acquisition of a turf pitch at Port Campbell, also swayed the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association executive.

Knights president Michael Walsh said the club was thrilled with the decision and had a view to field teams in all three senior divisions.

“We’ll have division one and two next season, but we’re aiming to get three sides up and running,” he said.

“A lot of our really good kids went up from division three to one last season and it was a huge jump.

“Most of the good juniors will play division two, and it’s just a better pathway to division one cricket.

“Otherwise, it’s a massive jump in quality.”

Walsh said success in the division three competition last season acted favourably in the club’s bid to move up.

“We asked what we had to do and they said winning the division three premiership would be a good start,” he said.

“We ticked that box and then we put a letter into them requesting to field a division two side and it was approved.

“We’re absolutely rapt. It’s really positive news for our club.”

He said work to install another turf pitch at Port Campbell was underway after negotiations with the recreation reserve’s committee. 

“We’re going to replace the concrete in the middle with another turf pitch and then we’re hoping to have five turf pitches out there,” Walsh said.

“That’ll be enough (pitches) for both division two and three."

Warrnambool and District Cricket Association chairman Gordon McLeod said Nirranda’s junior players would benefit from playing in division two.

“They’ve worked very hard as a team to get a lot of junior players in and to get the wicket at Port Campbell. They’ve nurtured their juniors,” he said.

“The board felt that their case was a good one because we want to ensure they get the best value.”