KIRKBYMOORSIDE have stunned the Readers Scarborough Beckett League by resigning from the competition just two weeks before its annual general meeting.

The premier division club, who finished seventh in 2014, have cited a lack of top-flight players in making this decision following their own meeting last week.

They will continue to run a side in the Derwent Valley League.

Kirkbymoorside joined the Scarborough Beckett League in 1982 and have spent 22 years of the last 25 in the top tier.

Beckett League secretary Simon Dobson said: “I received an email from Kirkbymoorside secretary Martin Charlton 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 useful side are committed to playing at the club in 2015 and they are concerned if 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.”

Following the recent announcement Great Habton and Flamborough had rejoined the league for 2015, Dobson said: “The league had planned to have four divisions of 10 this season and 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, at 7.30pm.

The Moorsiders’ resignation is another blow to local cricket, with the resignation of several teams having already led to the Derwent Valley League cutting back from three divisions to two for the 2015 season.