FOR the first time in its 65-year history, Basildon Hockey Club is to get a men’s team.

But the creation of the new team spells the end of another club with Old de Ferrians folding to merge with the new towners.

The club from South Woodham Ferrers were forced to consider their future when told their playing surface at William De Ferrers School would be replaced.

The new 3G surface will not be fit to play hockey on meaning Old de Ferrians find themselves homeless.

Now, after discussions with Basildon Hockey Club, they have decided to merge the two clubs.

This means Basildon will get a men’s team and another women’s team.

Basildon Hockey Club’s Lianne Brown said: “Old de Ferrians do not have a pitch so they have decided as a club they are going to come across to Basildon.

“So after 65 years of being a ladies only club, there is going to be a men’s club in Basildon.”

The Old de Ferrians men’s team were relegated from Eastern league division six this season so the newly formed men’s team will start life in division seven.

The women’s team played in Essex One and their players will have the option of remaining together or splitting up to play in another of the Basildon teams.

With the new towners first team playing in Eastern league division two C, there is an opportunity for players to compete at a higher standard.

Brown said: “We are going to take it how they want to play it. There is a core of players that want to stick together but there may be others who want to move up to one of our other teams.”

Negotiations are still continuing on the name for the new club.

“Understandably, Old Ferrians want to keep their legacy going,” said Brown. “They are a good club who have played at a high standard so want to keep part of their name so we will work that out.”