After more than 50 years since they were formed, Guilsfield Cricket Club have announced their immediate merger with Llandrinio Cricket Club to ensure cricket is played in the two villages for years to come.
Both villages have been struggling for numbers in recent seasons as modern day life restricts the time of players.
But following recent AGMs for both clubs, a decision was made to pool resources for the upcoming Saturday and midweek seasons.
“Guilsfield and Llandrinio cricket clubs have merged to safeguard the futures of both clubs,” said Andy Trow who has been involved with both clubs recently.
“Costs have increased for both teams and threatened the future of competitive cricket in both villages. Both teams play in separate competitions and share a core base of players.
“Running the teams is a time consuming job along with the critically important fundraising that insures the teams can take to the field. These roles were being fulfilled by many of the same people at both clubs leading to heavy workloads and not enough time being allocated to the tasks.
“The new club means the survival of both village teams in an age where village cricket is being replaced by bigger town clubs with multiple teams.
“The club now has a strong committee with a great deal of experience in all areas on and just as importantly off the field. I believe we are in a strong position to move forward and develop cricket within both communities, we are currently raising funds to train coaches and purchase equipment to aid us in providing coaching sessions for all ages, genders and abilities locally as we believe in a cricket for all ethos.”
Trow said that the new club aims to develop a young local competitive team supported by more experienced cricketers with an emphasis on respect and enjoyment.
The new team will play in the cross-border Shropshire League as well as continue with midweek fixtures.