No team have suffered more contrasting fortunes this season than Morley.

They looked red-hot favourites to return to Division One at the first attempt after winning their first six games, only then to lose their next four.

Their slide down the table has coincided with the departure of Steve Lane.

The off-spinner was one of the league's leading wicket-takers but he has left the club, along with batsman Richard Haikings.

Skipper Paul Kinder said: "We dropped Richard as he was not performing to the standard we expected. He said he wasn't going to play second-team cricket. He is very good mates with Steve and so they have both left.

"Steve's a big loss as he is one of the best bowlers in the league and had taken about 30 wickets.

"But we are looking at the positive and it opens an opportunity for a young lad like Tom Smith to come in."

Kinder's side will have to overcome leaders Esholt on Saturday if they want to end their bad trot.

"We know Wiggy (Esholt skipper Richard Whitehurst) really well. He is a very good player and they have one or two other good players. But we need a win as it is coming up to the halfway point and we need to get back in the frame."

Meanwhile, Undercliffe have parted company with John Barton.

The wicketkeeper had been suspended after an incident in the clubhouse last month.

Following a full committee meeting, the club have now decided to terminate his membership.

He has joined Aire-Wharfe League side Thackley.