SILSDEN, who resigned from the Aire-Wharfe League last week, have cited "a lack of player loyalty" as they switch to the Mewies Solicitors Craven League.

The club, who had been members of the senior league since 1936, were admitted to the Craven League at their monthly executive committee meeting.

Among the players to have left the Keighley Road club, who have had difficult results in Division Three of the Aire-Wharfe League over the past two seasons, are former first-team skipper Chris Meehan and Manley Du Preez (to Olicanian) and Majid Inayat (to Skipton).

Silsden cricket chairman Tim Sugden explained: "Our situation is down to a lack of player loyalty. We have lost 16 players, who were mostly first-teamers, for various reasons, including injuries. Virtually no senior players remained and that is why we approached the Craven League.

"In December, we asked the Aire-Wharfe League could we put a second team only in the league? They came back saying no – the second team (mainly juniors) must play in the first XI's division (Division Three).

"We therefore decided to join the Craven League and we don't feel that this is a short-term fix. We want it to be for the long haul. They have offered us an opportunity and we aren't going to throw it back in their face.

"Originally the idea was to join the Craven League for 2018 but there was an opportunity to join for this season in Division 4B and that is brilliant.

"We won't be the only club who are going to be put in a position similar to this due to a lack of players. There will definitely be others."

Silsden, who may well make Andy Pullen skipper around a core of juniors, were formed in 1876, were founders members of the Aire-Wharfe League in 1936 and have been members of the Upper Airedale Junior League since 1954.

Sugden said: "We are a club steeped in history with a number of county players and a world motorsport champion (Arthur Lampkin) among our players.

"Over the last ten years we have spent over £150,000 of our own money on our facilities (clubhouse, electronic scorebox, two-lane practice area and covers for the square).

"Contrary to what some people believe, Silsden Cricket Club have not folded – but to safeguard the club and the next generation of cricketers, we have been welcomed into the Craven League.

"The club is strong off the field with many volunteers. The whole situation had been brought about by player loyalty/commitment, the changing social climate and payment of players."

Informing clubs this week of the new addition, Craven League secretary Ann Coe wrote: "At the captain's meeting (Monday, April 3), the clubs voted to allow the executive to deal with any applications to join our league, without holding an extraordinary general meeting.

"The outcome of our talks with Silsden CC are that we are delighted to invite them to join the Mewies Craven League with immediate effect.

"We have a vacancy in Division Four and we have offered the club a new home. This is a good opportunity for the club to rebuild, start to win games and enjoy their cricket.

"Silsden CC have a fantastic ground and facilities. They have a long history and nobody within the cricket family should allow such a club to fold."

Dave Alred, secretary of the Aire-Wharfe League, reflected: "It is disappointing that Silsden have resigned. They wanted to play as a second team only but what would happen if they recruited first-team players?

"We hope that Silsden recover and we would welcome them back in the Aire-Wharfe League in the future."