Bay cricket clubs in merger talks

Torquay Cricket Club are in advanced talks with Chelston & Kingskerswell CC about a potential merger.

The former Premier Division champions, who currently play in the Devon League A Division, and Chelston & Kingskerswell of the E Division West are due to hold club meetings this week for their members and players to discuss the latest progress in negotiations.

If they approve a merger, it will need to go before the League for ratification, with the opening of the 2024 season only two months away.

It would mark a significant turn especially in the history of Torquay, who were founded in 1851.

They have played at the seafront Recreation Ground since 1926, were the first Devon League champions in 1972 and have eight titles to their credit, the last in 2015.

Chelston & Kingskerswell are themselves the product of a previous merger.

One obvious point that will need resolving is the role and position of the two clubs’ 2nd XIs.

As things stand, Torquay 2nds and Chelston/Kingskerswell 1st XI are due to meet in the E Division West for the first time next season at Manor Drive, Kingskerswell on May 11.

Chelston & Kingskerswell also have a 2nd XI playing in the H Division Central.

One key driver in the current proposals is believed to be a ruling by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that all Premier Division sides must operate Youth sections.

The stipulation would have prevented Torquay, who finished third in the A Division, from winning promotion last season.

They don’t have a Colts section that would meet the required criteria, but Chelston & Kingskerswell currently operate sides at Under-13 and Under-10 levels.