A DYNAMIC duo of amateur Rugby League clubs who have become household names on the local scene have teamed up - and the future looks even brighter for both!

For far-seeing Thatto Heath, who currently play at West Park, and Bobbies Lane-based St Helens Crusaders have merged and will now be known as Thatto Heath Crusaders.

Amalgamation was first mooted two years ago by ambitious Heath, who have applied for Lottery aid to develop a new ground in Elephant Lane, and was raised again when Crusaders' future became uncertain due to redevelopment of the UGB sports complex, their home for 12 years

The new club will be under the control of a recently-appointed committee, but the Crusaders - who will continue to play at Bobbies Lane until the year 2000 - will retain a degree of autonomy in having a sub-committee.

Merging of the clubs embraces a total of 14 teams made up of three open-age squads, with the remainder ranging from under-7s to under-18s, yielding a total playing strength of around 300. Open-age matches will be played on Saturdays with the others on Sundays

Respective head coaches are professionals Gary Forber (open-age) and Bernard Dwyer (under-18).

Another former pro player, Chris Honey, holds the chairman's reins at revamped Thatto Heath Crusaders and vice-chairman is Mike Denning, while the onerous duties of secretary are entrusted to Shaun Crehan (seniors) and Janet Haselden (juniors).

A state-of-the-art clubhouse is envisaged in the millennium, and this exciting new venture in the Rugby League heartland of Elephant Lane has enjoyed another massive boost with the backing of St Helens College.

Coaches are required for the under-7 and under-8 squads and anyone interested should telephone David Yates on St Helens 759746.

Training times are: under-9s Wednesdays at 6pm; under-10s, 11 and 12 Wednesdays 6pm and Saturday 11am; under-13s Tuesdays 6.30pm; under-14s Saturdays 11am; under-15s Wednesdays 6pm; under-16s and 18s Tuesdays 6.15pm; open-age Wednesdays 6.30pm at Sherdley Park and West Park.

Further details on Thatto Heath Crusaders can be obtained by telephoning Chris Honey on St Helens 816398 or Janet Haselden 01942 949044.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.