THE Darlington and District Cricket League has been rocked by the sudden resignation of Lands CC.
The club, which boasts a playing history dating back more than a century, simply hasn’t got enough players to fulfil its fixtures in the league’s A division when the new season starts.
Lands finished a creditable fourth in the league last season and also won the prestigious Eggleston Cup, defeating Barningham in the final.
However, at the end of last season it became apparent that Lands would struggle for players for the coming campaign.
Skipper Mark Little signalled his intention to join Haughton and with others reluctant to take on the role and all it entails a meeting was called to discuss a way forward.
With no resolution in sight, a committee meeting was called earlier this month and the decision taken to fold the club.
Player and committee member Jonathan Milroy said: “Lands CC committee had a meeting to discuss the situation at our club for next season in terms of the current player shortage and our ability to fulfil our fixtures with a full team.
“Based on the reduced number of players available and the fact we have been unable to attract new ones the committee have decided to withdraw from the league.”
He added: “This decision was made with some sadness, particularly due to the 100 year plus history of the team, however, there was no other logical course of action to be taken at this time.
“The ground will still be maintained in case something changes where we can restart in future.”
He said all at Lands CC wished the Darlington and District League continued success for the future.
Mr Little said the seeds of Lands CC’s demise were sown when the club's second team folded two seasons ago.
“When we got down to one team, we were struggling. Certain teams cope with it, but we had too many players for one team and not enough for two, so we lost all the fringe players.
“We also had no younger players below the age of about 23 or 24, and no older ones over 45.”
Mr Little said that with a baby on the way, he simply didn’t have the time to devote to the club as captain.
“Some days, I was leaving the house at 10.30am to go and pick players up from various places and get back for a 2pm start.
“I just want to turn up and play cricket.”
Mr Little said he expected to be joined at Haughton by fellow Lands player Gary Close.
Mr Little will continue with efforts to recruit a panel of neutral umpires to stand in A division league games during the coming season.
The coming season’s fixtures had been published prior to Lands CC’s decision to fold.
Brian Jones, president of the Darlington and District League, said the fixtures would now be revised in light of the situation.
