RIBBLESDALE League side Great Harwood have slashed their annual senior subs to make cricket more affordable.

The Cliffe Lane side have last week reduced a senior players’ subscription in half from £60 to £30 and are hoping the reduced fees will help ease the financial burden of playing cricket as the local economy continues to struggle.

At their AGM, last season’s Ribblesdale League Twenty20 champions announced an overall satisfactory financial performance and significant improvements in off the field activities despite the huge amount of games that were called off due to the unprecedented wet weather in 2012.

All other membership fees were frozen, including junior and social memberships at just £10 for the year. Members can also receive a 10 per cent discount behind the bar by purchasing an annual discount card for just an additional £10.

Stuart Maher, club secretary, said the club were happy to let the players, new and current, feel the benefit.

He said: “Off the field, we’re delighted with the way the club is running. The bar and facilities are as popular as ever and thanks to restructuring of our limited borrowing, we’re in a financially sound position.

“We know that people can find the annual subscription hard to find, especially with people losing their jobs and financial futures uncertain.

“So we’re hoping this move helps us encourage more people to come and play cricket at The Cliffe in what is sure to be a very interesting season.”

For more information please contact Maher on 07956 042615.