BLACKWOOD and Pontllanfraith believe they can achieve "something special" after joining forces to become the biggest cricket club in the Caerphilly borough.

The merger sees Blackwood, sixth in Division One of the Thomas Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League this summer, link up with Pontllanfraith, who were runners-up in Division Four of the Welsh Club Conference.

They will field four Saturday teams, a Sunday team, a midweek Twenty20 team and four youth teams (under-9s, 11s, 13s and 15s).

They will retain the Blackwood logo and be based at Highfields but the third and fourth teams will be known as Pontllanfraith firsts and seconds, playing at Islwyn Park, Springfield.

"The merger will of course allow for Pontllanfraith's identity, history and heritage to continue alongside that of Blackwood's," read a club statement.

"It will provide the opportunity to allow young players at Blackwood to gain valuable senior cricket experience before moving onto the first and second team with the third and fourth XI.

"All at Blackwood Town would like to welcome all from Pontllanfraith to the BTCC Family and every effort will be made on our part to involve and integrate them with our close knit squad.

"Pontllanfraith CC's experience will greatly complement our young squad's enthusiasm, passion and potential. This agreement will allow local cricket in Blackwood and Pontllanfraith not only to continue for many years, but to thrive and prosper."

The newly-merged club held its first AGM last Sunday in preparation for the new season and elected Eric Reardon as chairman, continuing his role from Blackwood, with Pontllanfraith's Gareth Moseley as vice-chairman.

Lyn Hall will be treasurer and Andrew Shelton is secretary with Richard Matthews captaining the firsts and Jamie Johnston, Pontllanfraith's skipper last year, leading the seconds while Erik Darling will be in charge of the fourths.

"The merger between is brilliant news for both parties," said Reardon. "We both have a chance to do something special here and provide the best cricketing experience for all of our members.

"I for one would personally like to welcome the Pontllanfraith members to our club, I am very much looking forward to working closely with you all over the coming seasons."

"'I am delighted that the merger is going ahead," said head of youth development Jeff Mudford. "It will present us with fresh challenges and opportunities.

"Together we can strive to provide the very best cricketing experience for our Senior and Youth Players."