Warley to play their part as new club brings cricket back to Elland

After Elland Cricket Club’s resignation from the Huddersfield League last October, there is now positive news that Warley CC, from the ENCO Halifax Cricket League, will be playing cricket at Hullen Edge, Elland from the 2024 season onwards, writes Paul Whiteley.

A new club has been founded, under the name of Warley and Elland CC, and they will be represented at the ground by two senior sides and no fewer than four junior teams.

The first and second teams will play in the Premier Divisions of the Halifax League, while the U9s, U11s, U13s and U15s sides will compete 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.”

Briggs added: "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 negotiations to form the new club, said: “Warley 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 longterm decision that will allow us to compete off the field, as well as on.”

He added: "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."

The new club, which has merged the old clubs’ crests, will start the season at Hullen Edge with two second XI fixtures, against Bradshaw (April 20) and Bridgeholme (April 27).

Luddendenfoot will provide the opposition for the first team’s opener on Saturday, May 4.