Belvoir Cricket League in jeopardy as latest team pulls out

The midweek Belvoir League, which celebrated its centenary season four years ago, began the season with a below-average seven teams, but within a few weeks had lost Genny Bears who were making their debut in the competition.

Then last week, long-standing league members Long Clawson, who play only in the Thursday night league, pulled out as they were unable to raise a team.

League representative Mark Bullimore said: “The teams agreed to play the rest of this season’s fixtures out and then decide what to do at the end of the season.

“It would be sad to see the league fold.”

Any teams interested in joining should call Mark on (01664) 813501.

* In recent action, Hickling (76-6) edged past Mars Petcare (74-5) in the cup to set up a semi-final against Upper Broughton.

Wymeswold were due to meet Thorpe Arnold last Monday in the other semi-final.

In the league action saw Hickling (76-3) easily beat Broughton 75-3 thanks to an excellent all-round display of bowling and batting by Wass.

Hickling then lost a tight top-of-the-table tussle with Wymeswold.

Having restricted Wymeswold to 88-4, the villagers were then bowled out for 86 to lose agonisingly by two runs.

Mars (122-2) then sprang a surprise by defeating Hickling (121-3) by eight wickets to record their first win of the season.