St George’s and Somerset Cricket Club have been included in the seven-team Premier Division for next season, the Bermuda Cricket Board announced yesterday.

Both teams gained promotion to the top flight in the 2012 season before the BCB decided to adopt a one-tier system.

But, with the BCB reverting back to two divisions, St George’s and Somerset have been named in the Premier Divison along with St David’s, who won last season’s title, Southampton Rangers, Willow Cuts, Clevelend County and Bailey’s Bay, who all earned their spot by finishing in the top seven last season. Western Stars, Devonshire Recreation Club, Somerset Bridge, Flatts, PHC, Warwick, and the Bermuda Under-17 side make up the First Division.

Jacobi Robinson, the Somerset all-rounder, said he was thrilled that his side had returned to the top tier.

“We are pleased to be back in the Premier Division,” Robinson said. “Before the BCB moved all the teams into one league, we were promoted, so to be acknowledged both on that basis and that we are one of the top seven teams in the country is pleasing.

“It’s a justifiable feeling, to be honest, and now that we know the situation we can go on with pre-season training knowing that we are going to be among the best.”

The decision to return to a two-tier system was taken at a meeting at BCB headquarters last month.

It was welcomed by the critics of the one-league format used last season, which resulted in many one-sided matches. Malachi Jones, the Cuts captain, was one of a number of players who criticised the one-tier league and believes two leagues will benefit the domestic game.

“This year will be more competitive because each match will have a lot on the line from the opening day,” Jones told The Royal Gazette in a recent interview.

“Last year there were many games that were mismatches and for us we were hard done by in the matches late in the season and we didn’t get the points.

“In any competition you should have a top flight and second tier, but last year you only played a team once and that was that. This year you will get to play every team home and away and the better side will win over the course of a season.”

Also making a return this season will be coloured clothing and white balls. Matches involving the Bermuda under-17 side will be played on Saturdays.