OAKWORTH have officially been admitted to the Halifax League for the 2023 season.

The result of an electronic vote was announced at the Halifax League’s annual meeting on Tuesday night at Copley Cricket Club and it was 28 votes in favour of admittance and three against.

League chairman Anthony Briggs told the meeting: “Congratulations to Oakworth. They are a good club.”

Oakworth, meanwhile, have issued a press release announcing the news of their switch from the Craven League.

They had been members of the Craven League since 1979, with the first team and second team each playing nearly 1,000 league matches.

In those 44 seasons, Oakworth have won Division One seven times, Division Two twice (once by the first team and once by the second team), Division Three six times (second team) and Division Five once (third team).

Meanwhile, in cup cricket, Oakworth have lifted the Wynn Cup eight times (first-team knockout), including this year, and the Cowling Cup (second-team knockout) four times.

Oakworth chairman Michael Scarborough said: “These are exciting times for Oakworth - the prospect of new grounds and fresh opponents.

“The priority at Oakworth CC is to protect the future of junior to senior cricket.

“The young players that have come through the ranks into the senior sides deserve progress, which is what I feel the Halifax League will provide.

“I have personally spent many seasons playing in the Craven League and would like to wish the executive committee every success for their future.”

Oakworth club secretary Michael Davison added: “We are grateful to the executive committees of both leagues in making the move to the Halifax League a possibility.

“Although it is a sad day to be leaving behind many friends in the Craven & District League, we look forward to making new friends in the Halifax League in the years to come.”

Oakworth’s third team have been admitted to the Halifax League’s Sunday section, as have Greetland.

The Sunday League will again be in four sections but there will now be two cup competitions – the Rod Warhurst Cup and Rod Warhurst Trophy.