SALTAIRE, whose former players include greats Sydney Barnes and Jim Laker, are to leave the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League in order to join the Aire-Wharfe League next season.

The Roberts Park club, who are fourth in Championship A Division, held an extraordinary general meeting to facilitate the switch and the voting was 34 in favour of the move and 17 against, with one abstention.

Saltaire Cricket Club's committee issued a statement following the meeting of Bradford Premier League chairmen at Cleckheaton Sports Club.

It said: "At an EGM on Monday, June 27, Saltaire CC members voted by a clear majority to join the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League for the start of season 2017.

"It was not a decision that was taken lightly, especially given the long history of the club within the Bradford League.

"Saltaire CC would like to express our appreciation to the Bradford Premier Cricket League for the help and consideration we have received over the years.

"We look forward to joining the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League and wish the Bradford Premier Cricket League well for the future."

However, the Bradford League will be welcoming Sandal and Brook Walton from the Pontefract League next season.

Bradford Premier League chairman David Young said: "We are disappointed to see a club with such a long tradition in the Bradford League decide to move on.

"Roberts Park has always been a distinct and popular venue for cricket and the club have made a big contribution to the Bradford League.

"Saltaire brought great players such as SF Barnes to the league in its early days and introduced England spinner Jim Laker to league cricket.

"We wish Saltaire well in their new league and thank them for all they have done over the past 111 years."

Saltaire, who joined the Bradford League in 1905, won the league championship six times (1917, 1918, 1920, 1922, 1926 and 1943) and lifted the Priestley Cup five times (1905, 1918, 1927, 1941 and 1942).

The Aire-Wharfe League, meanwhile, are also welcoming St Chad's Broomfield from the Wetherby League for 2017.

Aire-Wharfe League secretary Dave Alred confirmed that Saltaire and St Chad's had comfortably gained enough votes to join their league, with Mewies Solicitors Craven League club Hepworth & Idle trailing in third in the three-horse race for election.