Headley Cricket Club formally launched its new name – Headley, Whitehill & Bordon Cricket Club – at the Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club (BOSC) on Saturday.

The club were joined by Whitehill Town Council leader Councillor Andy Tree and Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company (WBRC) project lead James Child.

The event was celebrated with a club game featuring the men’s and women’s sections, giving some much-needed pre-season practise for players and topped off with a barbecue afterwards.

Apart from the new name, nothing has changed in the club which plays its home games at Headley and the BOSC and is managed by the same volunteers.

Club chairman Keith Ellis said: “We needed to find a way to recognise the new reality of the population growth in Whitehill & Bordon, from where we have always drawn a proportion of our playing strength, while retaining more than 150 years of cricket history in Headley. Hopefully we have succeeded in doing that, allowing us to build on our community relationships across the area and continue to create bonds and grow our club in the future.

“We are profoundly grateful to Headley Parish Council for their historic and ongoing support, without which we would not be in the position we are today. Also, the support given by WBRC in creating a super ground at the BOSC and finding a way for us to play there. We now have all the tools required to continue to grow our club. The club welcomes new players of all ages and ability level to join our friendly and inclusive group.”

For more information visit the club’s website at https://www.hwbcc.co.uk/