Members vote for cricket club to fold

Members at Thornhill Cricket Club, based at The Combs, took the drastic decision at an extraordinary general meeting held last Thursday.

Thornhill have withdrawn their two senior teams from the Central Yorkshire League, along with their junior cricket section from the Heavy Woollen District JCL.

Although nobody from Thornhill was available for comment at the time The Reporter went to press, the Central Yorkshire League management board confirmed the cricket section had folded.

It is understood that the tennis, bowls and football sections that form part of the cricket club are not affected by the decision.

Cricket has been played at The Combs since 1887, although it is believed Thornhill were established as early as 1866.

Thornhill were once a major force of cricket in Dewsbury having joined the Central Yorkshire League in 1944.

Thornhill won the coveted Heavy Woollen Cup four times between 1932 to 1975 and were crowned Yorkshire Council Champions in 1976.

Several senior players retiring and few younger ones stepping up meant the club ran into difficulties on the playing side.

Club officials had held several meetings with the Central Yorkshire League management board during winter break but unable to prevent the cricket section folding despite their best efforts.