Kirkbymoorside quit Beckett Cricket League premier division

Kirkbymoorside Cricket Club have stunned the Readers Scarborough Beckett Cricket League by resigning from the premier division just two weeks before its Annual General Meeting.

The Moorsiders, who finished seventh in the top flight in 2014, have cited a lack of top-flight players in making this decision following their own meeting earlier this week, although they will continue to run a side in the Derwent Valley League’s division A.

The club joined the league in 1982 and had spent 22 years of the last quarter of a century in the top flight.

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Beckett League secretary Simon Dobson said: “I received an e-mail from Kirkbymoorside CC secretary Martin Charlton regrettably informing me of their decision and I accept they won’t have taken this decision lightly.

“It seems only two of their first-team players from last year’s very useful side are committed to playing at the club in 2015 and they are concerned if the younger players from their second team are exposed to the premier division, they may be out of their depth and lose interest in the game.

“It’s a huge blow to lose one of our premier clubs, particular one who have significantly improved their facilities and ground, while having on-the-field successes in the T20 Cayley Cup in recent times. They have some talented players in their ranks but there is a responsibility on players to show commitment and this seems to be the main issue for the club reaching this decision.”

Following the recent announcement that Great Habton and Flamborough have re-joined the league for the 2015 season, Dobson added: “The league had planned to have four divisions of 10 teams this season, a full 18-week programme for all clubs, so with fixtures and cup competitions already generated all options will have to be considered. I have called an emergency management meeting so this can be addressed as soon as possible.”

The league’s AGM takes place on Wednesday January 21, at The Downe Arms, Wykeham, commencing at 7.30pm.

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