A Note on Eldwick & Gilstead

As I think you all know, events last season led to the decision to go from two teams to one team. The idea was that we would complete the season with the one team and then attempt to build a second team to start in the bottom division next year.

It has become abundantly clear that this was wishful thinking on our part - a general decline in the number of people wishing to play cricket was matched by our own difficulties in attracting/retaining players ourselves. Whilst it is fantastic that we have had an amazing response to the formation of the junior team this year, it will still take some time for these players to reach an age and experience where they can help improve the senior team position.

As a result, the decision was made to approach a couple of clubs who currently don't have their own ground and just see if they may be interested in hiring our ground instead of their current location.

Subsequent to this, a further club contacted us with a view to using our ground also. Discussions were held with two of clubs over the last month or so, and both impressed us with their approach and intentions. Eventually we offered first refusal to the club we approached initially, on the basis that we asked them first and we try to be a fair club. They accepted.

So a deal has been struck for Eldwick & Gilstead to use Riddlesden Cricket Club as it's home ground from next year for a term of 4 years. Whilst we will be expected to provide the pitch for them, they are not averse to helping out in general terms for the betterment of the facilities.

Both clubs will maintain their separate and distinct identities, but there are opportunities that will be investigated, such as joint training and winter nets. We may hold joint events to raise funds for particular ground improvements to the benefit of both clubs, and joint meetings to get fresh ideas may be held periodically. If we meet on the pitch, we will do so as (fair) rivals, but at other times it would be nice if both sides could support each other.

Note, the interest expressed in playing at our ground reflects highly on the facilities that we have. Both clubs we talked to stated how good our clubhouse and changing rooms are, and also how much better the pitch is compared to many others in the league.

It will be interesting to see how this goes, but for now it has to be preferable to have the ground in use every week compared to it being empty and lifeless.