ONE of Merseyside’s most prestigious cricket clubs is fighting against closure.

Wallasey Cricket Club which prides itself as the home of cricket on the Wirral, is facing financial difficulties.

Despite its thriving cricket teams, dwindling membership, lack of sponsorship and rising maintenance costs are all pushing the club into debt.

If money can’t be found, the club on Rosclare Drive, might be forced to close.

Third team captain, Neil Kelly, said: "The club is like a really close knit family and has a long history, it would be devastating to see it gone.

"We have over 90 enthusiastic members and thriving junior teams who are coming up the ranks, but we have seen membership decline over the last few years and the young players are too young to make use of the bar and adult facilities.

"The recession has also hit our sponsorship and how frequently people use the club socially, we just want to remind people that the club is welcoming and open to new members."

The club has helped many aspiring cricketers to county fame and famously saw Zimbabwe take on the first team in 1993.

David Miles, club and first team captain, who first played for the club when he was 13, said: "We’ve always been able to attract professional players and high profile teams such as Andy Flower the current England team director.

"Our youth teams have had the chance to learn from the best and they've flowed into our first team, but the outlays of the club are growing."

The club is facing bills of more than £2000 each month to keep the Kevin McCullagh Oval running.

Mr Kelly added: "The club is the linchpin of the local community and we have been embraced by the community and residents living near by.

"We have plans to renovate the club and update the ground for the benefit of both the players and the local community.

"But at the moment it looks as if we’ll have to start closing the club over the winter, but from then it feels like a downward spiral.

In an effort to attract new members, the club is stepping up the social calendar with parties and quiz nights open to everyone.

Ex president and club member of 50 years Derek Kendall, said: "There’s a lot more to the club than cricket and I’ve had many happy memories here.

"We have the best views of any ground from this clubhouse and so many great members and superb international test players. I just hope we can continue."

Anyone wanting to join, sponsor or find out more information should email nkelly2008@gmail.com