The face of Jewish cricket in Manchester is set to be transformed this summer following the announcement that two of the biggest clubs in the city have merged.

South Manchester and Manchester Maccabi have joined forces and will play as Manchester Cricket Club in the Greater Amateur Cricket League this season.

Both clubs struggled for form and numbers last term, but are now hopeful that this new venture will prove a huge success.

The team will play at the Styal Cricket Club in Cheshire and have secured full use of the indoor and outdoor nets for the rest of the year.

Steven Glicher, who has overseen the running of South Manchester in recent years, will take charge and is now on the look out for new talent.

"This promises to be an exciting year for us, with some competition for places and great new facilities," he said.

"Nets have started for the new season at Old Trafford Cricket Ground’s indoor centre with the use of a professional coach and bowling machine."

"Any new players are welcome to join us on a Wednesday evening from 8pm until 9pm."

* London Maccabi Vale have also started preparations for the new season. The largest and oldest Jewish cricket club has, with the backing of Middlesex County Cricket, applied for Clubmark Accreditation. This would put the Rowley Lane club into the same category as some of the top clubs in the country, with the expansion of the junior section ensuring LMV find themselves in its best position for many years.