By Paul Whiteley
The shock news which hit local cricket circles last October, that Elland Cricket Club had resigned from the Huddersfield League, has been positively countermanded with the news that Warley CC, from the ENCO Halifax Cricket League, will be playing cricket at Hullen Edge, Elland, from the 2024 season onwards.
A new club has been founded, under the name of Warley & Elland CC, and it will be playing at the ground with two senior and four junior teams.
The First & Second XIs will play in the Premier Divisions of the ENCO Halifax League, with the U9s, U11s, U13s & U15s competing in the Bramleys Halifax Junior League. The committee based club will form part of Elland Community Sports Club.
Anthony Briggs, the League chairman, said: ‘’It’s fantastic news that both senior and junior cricket will continue at Hullen Edge and the League, following due diligence, was pleased to rubber stamp the merger.
“It would have been a massive blow to recreational cricket in Calderdale to lose such a wonderful cricket ground and playing facilities. This pragmatic solution forged between two well established local clubs means they can now both look forward to a new chapter and a bright future through joining forces together.’’
Warley’s Chris Marsh, who has masterminded the protracted negotiations to form the new club, said: ‘’Warley CC has a proud and successful history in the Halifax Cricket League.
“It is no secret our ground facilities had fallen behind our competitors over the last decade and we were somewhat hamstrung in our ability to improve these facilities to ensure the ongoing viability of the club.
“This is very much a long-term decision that will allow us to compete off the field, as well as on. I am extremely excited what the future holds for the new entity and would personally like to thank all members of Warley CC for supporting me on this journey.”
