Esholt confirmed as Bradford League leavers

11:13pm Thursday 13th November 2008

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Esholt’s resignation from the JCT600 Bradford Cricket League has been confirmed.

They have merged with Tong Park, have joined the Aire-Wharfe League for the 2009 season and will be known as Tong Park-Esholt.

Bradford League chairman Graham Reid said at their annual meeting at Pudsey Congs tonight: “Esholt made a formal request for release at our board of management meeting on Tuesday night, and we have agreed to it.

“We are sorry to lose such a long-established league club, a village club who have decided to merge with another village club who were formerly members of the league.

“It is indicative of current times and trends, and in particular the lack of willing helpers and volunteers.

“I empathise with their predicament and I know they have done a lot of soul searching and much deliberating before coming to their decision.

“Esholt, who have been members for ten years, will be greatly missed, as will their excellent facilities, and we wish them all the best in the Aire-Wharfe League.

"But the merger will undoubtedly be to the benefit of cricket in their local areas.

“However, we are delighted that one of Esholt’s members (David Young) is continuing as our league treasurer.

“He has done an excellent job with the accounts this year.”

The league made a surplus of £588.