OLD Alresford Cricket Club have had to withdraw their side from the Hampshire League due to a shortage of players.

It’s a worrying trend amongst smaller clubs and Old Alresford, formed 131 years ago, follow Four Marks CC who pulled out of the Hampshire League two years ago for similar reasons.

Old Alresford chairman John Stanbrook said: “It’s very sad from our point of view, but it would seem that youngsters are not willing to commit themselves to a regular Saturday match. Several teams we are aware of have lost a team or have struggled like us.”

The club tried to keep going in the opening weeks of the season, but found it impossible to field a proper side with only half-a-dozen players available from their membership.