DORSET rivals Bournemouth and Parley have shelved plans to merge following explora-tory talks between the clubs regarding a possible alliance.

The decision was made after officials from Southern Premier League Bournemouth and newly-crowned Dorset League champions Parley had canvassed opinion from members.

A joint statement read: “Des-pite finding much common ground between the two clubs, we have decided that this is not the right time for a merger. The talks have been very positive on both sides and will no doubt build on the relationship between the county’s two outstanding cricket clubs.”

Some Parley members were understood to be keen on the proposal as it would have helped their cause to compete in a higher level of cricket in the Southern Premier League.

Despite finishing in the top two in the Dorset League for the past five years, there is no provision for promotion from the county’s top division.

And while the neighbouring Hampshire League feeds into the Southern Premier, the winners of the Dorset equiv-alent have nowhere to go.

In a statement to members on the Parley official website, chairman Graham Stickland said: “As you will be aware, over recent weeks, working groups have been looking at some of the practicalities and possible implications.

“While these talks have been very constructive and positive, following a recent meeting with their members, the committee at Bournemouth has reached the view that there is insufficient support for the idea among their membership. They have advised us that they do not want to pursue the merger.

“We will now be putting our energies into planning for next year and ensuring we build on our successes.”

Meanwhile, Bournemouth look set to be relegated from both the top flight and Division Three of the Southern Premier League.

Although the constitution for next season has yet to be ratified, Bournemouth are unlikely to receive a reprieve after finishing bottom in both divisions. Relegation would see their first team drop into Division One of the Southern Premier, while their seconds go into the Hampshire League.