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Blaydon have been staunch members of the Tyneside Senior League since 1971 so inevitably there are mixed feelings over their impending departure to the North-East Premier League.

Captain Ian Somerville, however, is convinced that Blaydon, TSL champions in three of the last four seasons, have made the right decision.

Indeed, while expressing his determination to ensure Blaydon, currently second behind Shotley Bridge, bid farewell by lifting their fifth championship, Somerville wishes the premier revolution had taken place earlier.

``Above all, premier league cricket must be an arena for developing young players,'' he insists. ``And at 34 I hardly come into that category. So I'll stick around for a couple of years to get the thing off the ground and then hand the reins over to someone younger.''

Blaydon, founded in 1891, were elected to the North-East Premier League after two clubs from the North Yorkshire and Durham League turned down invitations to become founder members.

And while savouring the prospect of taking on leading clubs from a wider area, Somerville admits: ``We will miss the derbies and all the friendly rivalries but we have to think about the future of English cricket. Hopefully our presence in the premier league will encourage youngsters to come and play for Blaydon.''

In the meantime, with West Indies World Cup player Nehemiah Perry finally installed as professional, Blaydon face Annfield Plain this weekend.