PROMOTION, relegation and a split top division could help cricket strengthen its status as the region's premier summer sport.
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That's the view of East Warrnambool YCW president Luke Smith.
The Broncos leader believes a split top grade - which would create a six-team division one reserve with promotion and relegation between all grades - would improve the sport.
Smith said the addition of an extra tier would give teams languishing at the bottom of the ladder "something to play for" in chasing promotion to a six-team premier division.
He said a "two up, two down" system between the premier and reserve division one grades would add excitement to the sport.
"It might bring teams like us and Koroit, who want to play division one, back up," he said.
"I think it would give those teams something to play for. I think it's one way to save cricket.
I think it would give those teams something to play for. I think it's one way to save cricket.
- Luke Smith
"I think there's too big of a difference between the top sides and the bottom teams in quality."
Smith's model is similar the Geelong Cricket Association's formula. It features three divisions, with one team moving up and down each season.
The long-time Bronco echoed Russells Creek leader Cam Williams, who in February called for a "super league" with teams from several south-west associations to be formed.
"I'm not sure if teams from other leagues would consider joining," Smith said.
"If that happened, you could even bring back something like division four and have it played on Sunday. That's worked well for Grassmere Cricket Association.
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