Simpson returns to South West Cricket's top grade for 2019-20 season

The Tigers' rise means nine teams will vie for division one honours, forcing a weekly bye into the season which starts on Saturday, October 12.

Simpson president Adrian 'Spud' Fratanaro said the club's recent division two successes - it's won the past two premierships in that grade - inspired it to re-join the premier tier after about five seasons.

"We are pretty pumped to have a bit of a crack at it," he said.

"We're keen to get things under way and see where we're at.

"We've won the past two division two premierships so it was time to step up and have a bit of a go."

Brad Salmon will captain Simpson's division one team with Fratanaro saying the appointment was "an easy choice" after leading the Tigers with aplomb in division two.

Simpson will field three teams - divisions one, two and three - this season, up on two from its most recent campaign.

Fratanaro said the Tigers had the depth to fill three sides.

"At the end of the day, the more games you can give to people the better," he said.

"Division three gives the older guys and kids somewhere to play."

South West Cricket president Kym Mathew said the association was thrilled to have Simpson step up to division one.

"It is a small community which has been very, very successful in division two," he said.

"They've had a couple of English recruits come across so that will strengthen them."

Mathew said "most clubs are appreciative of the bye at senior level" but admitted it would take some juggling with regard to player availability for lower grades.

New South West Cricket operations manager/secretary Daniel Missen said it had added three new teams for the 2019-20 season - Pomborneit (division two), Woorndoo (division two) and Simpson (division one).

Heytesbury Rebels (division one) will only field one team and Ecklin has returned to the colts competition.

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