Much Wenlock hit by player exodus
Much Wenlock will not be able to field a team in the Shropshire County Cricket League Premier Division this season because of a loss of first-team players, league bosses have confirmed.
The club informed the league it was unable to field a competitive side in the county's top flight because of the rapid departure of several first-teamers.
Much Wenlock were hoping to continue with its second XI, now effectively its first team, remaining in Division Five and its third, now its second team, staying in Reserve Division. But a meeting of the league membership and structure committee last night decided they must field sides in Division One and Reserve Division Three instead.
Nick Broadbent, membership and structure sub-committee chairman said: "Their first team have gone. They have got two teams left in the league.
"They were very clear that they were not able to take their place in the Premier Division because virtually all their first team players have left the club.
"They had three teams in the league. The firsts in the Premier Division, the seconds in Reserve Division Three and the thirds in Division Five.
"They have been given until midday to confirm that they accept the decision. If they don't their remaining teams will be expelled. "
Much Wenlock secretary Bill James said the club was considering the decision but that there was not a lot of difference between the Premier Division and Division One, meaning their concerns about fielding a competitive first XI persist.
