the final version of the scl went back to the 1971 season when a group of 10 pioneer clubs – three of which were still in the league in 2011 – operated in a single division alongside (but never against) a small collection of clubs that were to be part of the group that exclusively comprised the top section from 1972–96. these "lower division" numbers dipped then finally rose to 12 for the first time in 1975. another division was formed in 1976 and this proved a springboard for the league to expand hugely after this.