BARMBY Moor have resigned from the HPH York Vale Cricket League.

It completes a spectacular fall from grace for the village side who were crowned Vale League champions in 2008, just two years after being admitted to the league.

Moor finished third in 2009 and sixth the following year before successive relegations saw them slide into division three.

Because of the number of games they conceded the club was forced to seek re-election for both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. On both occasions they were successful but since the league’s annual meeting in November they have lost more players and have decided to resign.

League chairman Shane Hargrave said: “Unfortunately, its timing is not good as we have already published the fixtures. Division three will run with only nine teams in 2013.

“Sadly, this seems to be an annual event where a club seems to fold on the run up to a season.

“Can I please reiterate that if any club has any issues that it contacts the league management committee through myself to see where we might be able to help or advise.”

Jon Steel, who successfully appealed for the club’s re-admission at the AGM four months ago, said: “Since I attended the AGM we have sadly had several other long standing senior players either retire or leave to play elsewhere.

“Having now had a further meeting with the remaining senior players it was felt that despite having some youngsters coming through we just don’t now have sufficient strength in depth.

“On top of this, we also have about four regular senior players involved in two stag dos and weddings this summer which would potentially leave us short.

“It was felt that on balance we can no longer field a Saturday team with any certainty, and that regrettably, we have decided it is for the best if we withdraw from the York Vale League.

“I think if we were honest things started to slip for us about four years ago when we lost a generation of five younger players from our village. They all now play for Woodhouse Grange or Driffield.

“I don’t think we are alone when I say that, sadly, small villages like ours seem to be struggling and our pool of players has been on the decline.

“Coming from a rural area, gone are the days when we could call up a few farm labourers to make up our team.

“I am not sorry that I attended the AGM and spoke on behalf of Barmby Moor remaining in the YVCL. I have played for Barmby Moor since I was a young boy and am passionate about village cricket.

“However, I would like to apologise on behalf of Barmby Moor Cricket Club for the disruption our withdrawal will make to the fixtures. I would like to further thank all the clubs who supported us at the AGM.”

Moor’s resignation means Pocklington now have a bye in the opening round of the Scothern Construction Cup.