Rover Cowley CC, originally formed around 70 years ago under the name of Pressed Steel, have joined forces with Oxford & Horspath CC.

Simon PorterThe move means Oxford & Horspath will run five teams next season.

The first team will play under the name of Oxford in the Home Counties Premier League, with the four other teams playing under the name of Oxford & Horspath in Divisions 2, 5, 7 and 9 of The Oxford Times Cherwell League.

Ross Buchanan, Rover's 1st XI captain, said: "We see this as a positive move for the club.

"Over the past few years we have been hit by declining numbers of senior players and a dwindling core of dedicated individuals to run the club.

"By joining with our neighbours, Oxford & Horspath, we are ensuring that the club is able to continue in the long term in this new form and also play a part in what we see as an exciting future for the joined club.

"The excellent infrastructure for junior cricket at Oxford offers great opportunities for Rover's talented youth section."

Under an agreement with the social club, Oxford & Horspath will play matches at Rover's Roman Way home.

And Buchanan added: "We are saddened that we will no longer be an integral part of the Sports & Social Club, but we look forward to maintaining a close relationship with it and to the new club using the excellent pitches at Roman Way."

Oxford & Horspath chairman Simon Porter said: "We are delighted that Rover Cowley are joining with Oxford & Horspath as we believe it will be good for both parties.

"We feel the combination will produce a very strong and progressive club. I believe that strong club cricket is good for Oxfordshire cricket and, therefore, good for county cricket too."

Rover Cowley have until now been the cricket section of Rover Cowley Sports & Social Club (formerly Pressed Steel Athletic and Social Club).

The social club was formed out of the Pressed Steel factory in 1929, with its cricket section established soon after. Playing as Pressed Steel CC, they were a founder member of the Cherwell League in 1974, changing their name to Rover Cowley - along with the social club - in 1995.

Wilf Bennett, joint president of the Oxfordshire Cricket Board, who first played for Pressed Steel in 1947 and subsequently became captain, secretary, chairman and president of the club, backed the move.

"Naturally I am sorry that Rover Cowley cannot continue at the highest level independently, but I understand the reasons for this and am very happy to support Rover joining Oxford & Horspath," he said.