More players urgently needed for White Coppice cricket club (From Chorley Citizen)

More players urgently needed for White Coppice cricket club

8:00am Sunday 17th February 2013 in News

A village cricket club has warned that it faces going out of existence after 137 years if it doesn’t recruit more players.

White Coppice CC enters two teams in the Palace Shield Competition every year but has struggled to field its full complement of players for the second XI in recent seasons.

Geoff Haydock, the club’s treasurer, said there was a ‘desperate’ threat of the club folding if it fails to get more players on board.

The club, formed in 1876, is based at The Green, a picturesque ground off Coppice Lane near Heapey, on the outskirts of Chorley.

Mr Haydock, who has been involved with the side since 1968, said it was in a good position financially but urgently needed players before the start of the new season in April.

He said: “We’re trying to save the club. We are in a very good position off-the-field and we are playing at a good standard. The first XI are in division one and the second XI are in division three.

“We have very supportive sponsors and lots of members, but we’re really struggling for players.

“We want to attract new settlers in Chorley, those who have moved into the likes of Buckshaw Village, to our club.

“We are organising a leaflet drop and some posters to be displayed locally in the next few weeks.

“If we don’t get players in the long-term, the club’s under threat. It is desperate.”

Indoor nets sessions begin at Parklands High School, Chorley, in March and players of any standard, young and old, will be made welcome.

To help the club out, contact 07805971173 or email whitecoppicecc@hotmail.co.uk.