'Grelland'

A recent development that, until last night, had passed me by: Yorkshire League clubs Greetland Allrounders and Elland have merged - but only at open age level.

Each club will retain their own junior teams, playing in their own club's colours. The merged open age team have been referred to - jokingly - as Grelland.

Starting this afternoon (13/4), Yorkshire League Division Three open age home games will be staged, alternately, at Elland's Goldfields (at Greetland) and Allrounders' Spring Rock (at Upper Greetland).

A Greetland statement says the merger is necessary to "enable open age rugby to thrive in the area". It adds: "We understand this is a big move but one that both clubs' committees and players agree is the right one."

Played at both teams many years ago and had a good craic at both. Good news that they are pushing forward but they are not alone in struggling for players. It is a real shame that both can't retain their own identity at open age level. A great initiative from both parties though. 

First game for 'Grelland' ended in a 4-16 home defeat by Dodworth Miners. No disrespect to Dodworth but that's a fair indication of how far two former NCL members have fallen.