Optimism replacing Pessimism

TWO of Guernsey's oldest cricket clubs have folded and will merge next season under a new name. Pessimists and Taverners started merger talks just a month ago. They intend to run a four-team club from 2007.

Pessimists, who have been involved in Guernsey cricket since its earliest days, initiated the move.

Club secretary Dave Piesing said that his club would have been likely to fold within a couple of years as the player base got older.

'We thought we should address it now rather than wait until it happens.

'Our player base is mainly players of 19 and under and those in their late 30s and above. Those players are going to be dropping out and it would get harder and harder and nobody would relish getting into that situation.'

Piesing said that Pessimists, which was running just two sides, had started to discuss the future when they struggled to raise teams, particularly in their second XI, towards the end of last season.

St Saviour's, the club's partner side in weekend outfit Wanderers, were considered but ruled out.

It was felt that a combined unit would have too many first-team players and little depth down the club.

Taverners, who have failed to gain promotion in two successive seasons after relegation from the top flight in 2004, had players of first division ability and probably the best junior set-up of all evening league clubs across their three sides.

Club stalwart James Falla said that Taverners recognised that they had, at best, one last shot at returning to the top division.

'But key players were continually being tempted away and second division cricket was not attractive for the club's best young talent.

'So the merger proposal seemed right for us. Although we were sad to end Taverners after 40 years, we had higher aspirations than just holding our own in the second and developing young players for other clubs to come along and poach.

'This way all our players can find the level of cricket that they want to play and we stay together.'

Piesing said that the move was not intended to offer a short-term fix for trophies, though he expects the new club to be competitive at the top of the first division. Pessimists finished third last year.

'The main hope is that it becomes a well-structured, well-run competitive club which provides the right level of cricket for everyone who needs it.'

Mavericks players at Taverners will stay with their weekend team. The new club will break new ground in having regular players from two weekend clubs within their evening sides.

The playing membership will meet in January, when a name will be agreed. Crusaders has been suggested, but Piesing said nothing was ruled in or out.

'It's important that the members get the chance to vote on this.'