ASTLEY and Tyldesley have become the first member of Bolton's two cricket leagues to apply to join the Greater Manchester League.

The Gin Pit side will leave at the end of this season after being members of the Association since 1935.

Club chairman Paul Finch said in a statement issued by the club today that A&T believe the GMCL is the "best fit" for the club in the future.

The statement reads as follows:

Astley and Tyldesley Cricket Club are delighted to announce that they have applied to join the Greater Manchester Cricket League for 2016 and beyond, in what the clubs feels is the most exciting of times for recreational cricket across Greater Manchester.

2015 is the club’s 90th season as a member of the Bolton and District Cricket Association and through this period has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the league; however we feel now is the right time for the club to take on a new challenge in what is a ground breaking opportunity to Greater Manchester cricket clubs.

Club chairman Paul Finch said: “After a 90-year membership with the B&DCA this decision hasn’t been taken lightly. However, sentiment and history won’t allow us to meet future aspirations for our club and its members. Over the last 15 years we have invested in our facilities and especially our junior infrastructure. To this end we feel the GMCL is a best fit for us to allow our club to thrive and meet the needs of our players and to offer them the optimum number of good quality meaningful matches."

Astley & Tyldesley CC continues to go from strength to strength, particularly in the last 10-15 years which have seen the club become ECB Clubmark accredited, highlighting the club’s ethos of providing cricket in a safe, effective and child friendly environment, along with making significant strides on and off the field. The club plays an integral role within the local and wider community, this includes a thriving junior section based around strong links to local schools and community groups.

The facilities available to cricketers at Astley and Tyldesley Cricket Club rival that of any in Greater Manchester, particularly since the club have received grant aid funding from Viridor Credits for a £42,000 practice net facility and further funding from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for a pavilion development project at a cost £8,600.

Astley and Tyldesley Cricket Club respect the history and tradition of the B&DCA and are proud to have been part of that. However, given the significant challenges presented to recreation cricket in recent years, the club feels it is imperative that our members are given the best possible opportunity to enjoy and achieve as part of our club.

A&Tyldesley vice chairman Simon Nicklin said: “It is sad to be leaving the B&DCA after such a long time but I really believe that this heralds a new era for us, with new challenges and a fresh chance for us to see real progression. It will also allow our youth the chance to potentially play Premier League cricket here instead of elsewhere.”