Mixed emotions as DVL is officially wound up

The Derwent Valley League has ceased to exist after 95 years as clubs agreed to move to a one-league structure at an EGM earlier this week.
Kirkbymoorside, the last winners of the DVLKirkbymoorside, the last winners of the DVL
Kirkbymoorside, the last winners of the DVL

The 18 existing DVL sides will now become part of a 57-team Scarborough Beckett League, with the league constitution and any rule changes to be decided at their AGM in January.

It was very much a case of mixed emotions for the DVL’s long-standing secretary Bernard Goulding, who was saddened by the demise of the league but insisted the amalgamation is best for grassroots cricket in the area.

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Goulding said: “It was certainly sad to fold the league after 95 years of history.

“But it has got to the stage where a number of teams have folded and we’ve got to this sad but inevitable stage where it makes sense to have one league and one committee.

“It’s for the best going forward and I’m comfortable handing things over to Simon Dobson, who is an excellent secretary with cricket’s best interests at heart.”

Goulding wants to take up a seat on the Beckett League committee and hopes the transition to a new structure is a smooth one.

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He added: “I hope we can keep the two divisions at 40 overs and possibly keep some of the cups going too, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

Dobson is looking forward to welcoming the new sides into the SBL. He said: “Following the confirmation at Tuesday’s EGM, the Beckett League can now progress with structure plans ahead of our AGM.

“We welcome all 18 teams with open arms and wish them well for 2016.”

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