The second meeting of the first class forum has agreed to a two division County Championship for the year 2000.

15 counties including Gloucestershire voted for the proposal, Glamorgan were the only county to oppose it while Durham and Essex abstained. All three who didn't vote in favour, finished in the bottom half last season.

The divisions will be based on 1999 finishing positions. Three teams will be promoted and three will be relegated each season with each county playing a total of sixteen first-class games a season.

Other decisions were made at the meeting. Next season in the championship there will be 12 points for a win instead of 16 and 4 points for a draw increased from three. In the one day National League there will be a free hit following a no-ball next season.