THE Worcestershire Cricket League could be plunged into chaos next season after champions Kington were refused promotion.

Kington, who won the Division One crown with a record 374 points, were turned down by the Birmingham League as they could not guarantee their ground being available on each Saturday next year.

The Herefordshire club now plan to appeal to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Kington's ground is out of use on two Saturdays each summer because of agricultural and vintage car shows.

The club asked for their first team to be given away fixtures on these dates, and for the second team to play at 'home' on another ground, but the Birmingham League rejected this.

Kington skipper Kevin Gwynne said: "I would like to have thought that the Birmingham League would have shown common sense. The knock-on effect for feeder leagues could be catastrophic."

Worcestershire League administrator Alan Bayley added: "The whole ethos of recreational cricket and the setting up of premier leagues is that clubs have a chance to progress to the top.

"This sort of decision sends the wrong sort of signals out to all the feeder leagues."

It is understood that the Birmingham League's management committee was split evenly on the matter and a chairman's casting vote was required.

The Birmingham League already has one club, Stourbridge, who cannot use their ground on certain dates.

Birmingham League administrator Nick Archer said: "Stourbridge have been in the league from the start and that is a courtesy that has been granted to them throughout the history of the league.

"We are unwilling to sanction another club doing this."

Kington's rejection could have a knock-on effect on the county league, which will also have to accept two teams relegated from the Birmingham League -- Ombersley and Hagley.

It could mean that as many as four clubs will be relegated to Division Two to even up numbers.