A ROUNDERS team that was forced to leave its home of more than 40 years has found a new place to play.

Last month members of Eagley Pike rounders team were left 'gobsmacked' when they received a text saying Eagley Cricket Club would stop hosting rounders matches due to commitments to T20 cricket.

The team had just six weeks to find somewhere new to play ahead of the league’s AGM.

It is believed Eagley Pike had played at the cricket club for around 45 years.

Fortunately, the team has now reached an agreement to play at Tonge Cricket Club next season.

Doreen Perkin, secretary at Eagley Pike, said: “It has great facilities. We are very happy. They have welcomed us with open arms.

“It is a good result, they have been very good with us. We are looking forward to next season.”

During the 2017 season, Eagley Pike was promoted from the G section of the Bolton Sports Ladies' rounders league for the first time.

Mrs Perkin said that the whole team is feeling positive for the future.

"It is all very positive. This will be the first time we have gone above G section and we will see how we get on. It is a new start really.

"We can look forward now."

Two other teams, Dunscar Bridge Ladies and Fernhill Farm Stables also played at Eagley but Mrs Perkin said that they have also found new places to play.

The new rounders season starts in April and all the teams can look forward to playing in their new locations.

Mrs Perkin said that looking back it was still the way they were told they would have to leave – by text – that hurt the most.

After the rounders teams were told they could no longer play in Eagley, the club aid that the club is going under a period of regeneration, with eight Eagley Cricket Club teams using the pitch.

Junior matches are being played on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as T20 on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The club said that the level of use places significant demands on the cricket square and outfield.

Major redevelopment plans are currently being carried looked into at Eagley Sports Complex and if funding is secured, there will be a wholesale demolition of the existing buildings.