Fresh blow to Sunday League as trio bow out

First division duo Klosters and Itis Itis have called it a day, while division two side Scarborough Sports Spa bow out after only one season in existence.

Klosters, who started life as Merchant in 2004, have decided to call it a day after 10 seasons together.

Disappointed player-manager Rhys Howell said: “This is a sad day, and a premature end, but unfortunately we didn’t have enough lads committed to playing next season to make continuing a viable option.

“Our captain Lee Luntley and Georgie Rose have burnt their boots and retired and Neil Fryirs and Michael Brown have moved away from Scarborough.

“A number of other players including Nicky Sumpton, Andy Wardell and Tom Scales have said they can’t commit to playing next season. That’s too many of our most reliable performers gone in one go.

“I hoped to keep going for at least one more season, but the interest just wasn’t there.”

Merchant FC joined the Sunday League in 2004/05 and spent four seasons in division three before earning promotion in 2009.

After narrowly avoiding relegation in their first season in division two, they won the second division title in 2010/11, losing just one game in the process.

Having become Klosters for the start of the 2011/12 season, they spent four terms in the top flight, enjoying their most successful season in 2013/14, winning the Sunday FA Cup and finishing in third place in division one.

“I think we peaked when we won the cup and finished third the season before last,” Howell added.

“I’m really pleased that we managed to win at least one major trophy so we have something to remember our time as a side by.

“It was also nice to be able to dedicate our second division title to Andrew ‘Mo’ Stephenson, the former landlord of Klosters Bar, who passed away shortly after we won the league.

“Both Gareth Davies and myself played in our first ever competitive game at Seamer in 2004 and we were both there for our last fixture against Itis Itis in April.

“I’m proud that we’ve been there all the way through 10 years of ups and downs with this club.”

Howell was also quick to thank Merchant owners Lorcan O’Murchu and Jo Gilmore for their initial help in getting the club off the ground and to Graeme Young of Klosters Bar for his backing over the last five seasons.

Sunday League chairman Mark Plumpton is hopeful that the two applications to join the league come to fruition at their AGM.

Whitby-based First Inn Last Out have yet again applied to join the league, while Crown Tavern have also indicated their interest in starting a team.

Plumpton said: “It’s disappointing losing two teams we have had for a long time, especially two teams from the first division which will obviously have to result in a change around.

“In the two teams we have coming in we are confident they have the backing and organisation to be a great addition to the league.”