Cricket clubs merge

Press, 22 August 1979, Page 36

Cricket clubs merge

Two well-established Christchurch suburban cricket clubs, Beckenham and Waltham, have amalgamated and will play under the name of Southern Districts in the 197980 competitions. A number of factors convinced officials of the two clubs that they needed to combine to strengthen their resources. The idea was not a new one — an amalgamation had been mooted for Some years, and discussions were held during the winter months. In recent seasons Beckenham’s fortunes have declined and it no longer had senior A status. The slip to a modest position in the senior B grade last summer was mainly caused by the transfer of members who wished to play in the top division. Waltham, for its part, fell to second-last place in the senior A championship earlier this year, and both clubs were becoming concerned about the increasingly industrial nature of their area. Equipment costs were also rising alarmingly. The joining of forces had the blessing of the association’s administration, and it is intended to enter Southern Districts teams in the senior A, senior B, and junior grades, with several sides in the various third grade competitions. The home grounds of both foster clubs, Beckenham Park, which is regarded as one of the finest settings for cricket in Christchurch, and Waltham Park, will be used by Southern Districts.