MELBOURNE Cricket Club have the best teas in the York Vale League - that's official - but there is now a shortage of players to eat them!

Club secretary Ruth Steels this week issued an urgent appeal for cricketers on the eve of the new season.

The village side is due to start the season on Saturday April 25 with a home game against Clifton Alliance but officials fear for the club's future in the HPH York Vale League after losing players to near-neighbours Pocklington.

Ironically, the club has been voted top of the league for the last three seasons when it comes to providing interval snacks for players.

But, on the field, it has become an uphill battle to field a full strength side never mind a fully fed one.

Steels said: "I'm not sure how we will be able to carry on in Saturday cricket? We are desperate for new players to fill the breach."

Melbourne struggled to field a full side in three league games last season but still managed to avoid relegation.

"We were able to utilise the player loan scheme last year," said Steels. "But this year there are an even number of teams in each division so no side has a spare week. That means it will be harder to recruit loanees. It looks bleak for us - unless we get some new players."

Vale League chairman Shane Hargrave said: "It is disappointing to see another small village club struggling to survive and I do hope that some new players, including lapsed cricketers, could come to the rescue of the club at the eleventh hour. We will do our utmost to help Melbourne continue as a valued member of the Vale League."

Although player numbers may be a serious problem, Melbourne have been relatively successful on the pitch in recent years. They won division three and the Scothern Construction Cup in 2013, the division two title and the Guy Mitchell Cup in 2014, and retained the Mitchell Cup in 2015.

The club have been members of the Vale League for 18 years but are believed to have played their first competitive game against Warter in 1895.

They moved ground from a farmer's field opposite the village school to their current purpose-built facilities at the Pocklington end of the village in the 1970s.

The player shortage should not affect Melbourne’s Foss Evening League prospects as their midweek numbers are bolstered by players from nearby Londesborough Park.

Any player or club who is able to help should phone Ruth Steels on 07891 528626 as soon as possible.

And don't forget, they will always serve you a lovely tea!