Cricket
LANDS CC has called it a day for the second time in five years – and this time it looks as though it could be the end for the club.
Officials have tendered the club’s resignation from this month’s annual meeting of the Darlington and District League, citing a lack of player availability.
In the club’s resignation letter to the league, player and committee member Jonathan Milroy said: “As you are aware we have struggled with player numbers this season and despite best attempts have not been able to attract new members.
“Without assurances of player availability, the club has been left with no option other than making this unfortunate decision.
“We thank the league for supporting us over the previous years and wish it continued success.”
Lands was unable to fulfil five of its 18 league fixtures in the 2022 season, finishing second bottom in the A division.
After the season ended, a club meeting was called to see if a way of continuing could be found, but to no avail.
The few remaining players are being encouraged to sign for other teams in the league, as Lands were not alone in struggling to get 11 on the field each Saturday.
Lands had previously resigned from the league at the end of the 2017 season.
However, after missing just one season, Lands rejoined the league after a number of former players expressed an interest in turning out once again.
The club then quickly won promotion from the C and B divisions, picking up cup trophies along the way, to regain a place back in the A division last season.
Ironically, when Lands could field a team, their form was decent, winning five and losing seven matches.
Mr Milroy added: “We had some great days, but all good things reach and end and it was clear we were at that point.”
He said that although the club would not field a team, Lands CC had not folded completely and the ground would be kept in good condition for the next few years “in the unlikely event anything changes in future” .
