Woolsthorpe has returned to the top grade after both Panmure and Purnim departed the association in the off-season.

The promotion means it will join Hawkesdale, Yambuk, Wangoom, Killarney, Mailors Flat and Grassmere in the top grade.

The association's division two is yet to be sewn up but at least four clubs are understood to have committed.

The association's Sunday competition, meanwhile, has been scrapped on the back of a shortage of numbers and clubs.

Grassmere Cricket Association president Rhys Dews said excitement was building ahead of the association's 75th campaign.

He anticipated another hard-fought division one competition. "It's been pretty open and competitive over the last five to 10 years," Dews said.

Dews said the game had reverted back to 40-over matches after moving to 45 this past season on the back of club feedback.

He said the competition was disappointed to lose its Sunday grade.

"It's been a great platform for developing younger cricketers," Dews said.

"There's been some great father-son and father-daughter combinations in there over the years."

Dews said former president Jason Elliott has returned to the executive as senior vice president.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.