The curtain was finally drawn on the Premier Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League this afternoon with the final game taking place at Odd Down where Odd Down (Bath) Development’s visitors were Wroughton. Wroughton had been unable to field a side last week but with so much at stake it was imperative that the game was played and thankfully that happened this weekend. Odd Down (Development) went into the game knowing that nothing less than a win was needed to ensure they remain in the Premier Division for another season. They got over the line in the end by the narrowest of margins, a penalty in the sixth minute from Cameron New being enough to retain their Premier Division status for another season as they ran out 1-0 winners in what has been a difficult season for the club following the death of manager Mark Brown. Wroughton knocked on the door in the second half, creating a number of good chances, but couldn’t find that elusive equaliser which would have saved Marlborough Town from relegation. With Larkhall Athletic Development promoted from Division One as champions they can look forward to local derbies with their near neighbour next season.
Season 2023-24
Now that the dust has settled on the 2022-23 Season there is exciting news for next season on two fronts. Firstly, after persevering with our Division One this season, which in the end had just six teams in it, we are pleased to report that next season Division One will have 16 teams. The Premier Division is also currently scheduled to have 16 teams. Devizes Town have been promoted to the Uhlsport Hellenic League and we have not been advised by the FA as yet on any relegations from Step 6. We will be relegating the bottom two teams from this season’s Premier Division. Should there be any relegations from Step 6 we would run with an increased number of teams in the Premier Division next season with the Competition’s constitution allowing a maximum of 18 teams. The proposed constitution as it stands now that will be taken to the AGM is as follows:
New Pyramid Agreement
Secondly, in addition to the increased number of teams in our Division One we are pleased to announce the establishment of a new Pyramid Arrangement for the leagues in Wiltshire. Following meetings during the season with the Wiltshire FA, the Hellenic League, the Swindon & District League and the Trowbridge & District League we have reached agreement on a new Pyramid Agreement, which will come into operation from Season 2023/24 onwards.
In simple terms, the Pyramid Agreement means that, from the end of Season 2023/24, one team from one of the Hellenic League Division 2's, the Swindon & District League Premier Division, and Division 1 of the Trowbridge & District League will each qualify for promotion direct to our Premier Division (if they want promotion and meet the ground grading requirements). In addition, there will be promotion from our Division One. To be eligible for promotion you must finish in the top three, with priority being given to the champions of each league. If the champions do not want promotion, or do not meet the ground grading requirements, the second placed side can be promoted instead and failing that the third placed side. If for any reason there is no promotion candidate from one or more of the other three leagues, additional teams from our Division One will be promoted assuming they also meet the same requirements. i.e. top 3 finish and ground grading requirements. There will be a maximum of three promotions in total each season from our Division One but only one if the other three leagues all provide a team eligible for promotion. Four clubs will be liable for relegation from the Premier Division each season.
Any club finishing below a promotion position in any of the feeder leagues to the Premier Division will have the choice of moving feeder leagues for the following season. Any club relegated from our Premier Division or Division One will also have a choice of which league they go into.
20 May 2023
