Cricket club pulls out of league

The Gullivers-based club felt it had no option but to withdraw its first and second teams after parent company Sidley Sports & Social Club ceased trading last night (Tuesday).

Sidley first team captain Scott Woodroffe said: “Unfortunately we’ve been left with no option but to withdraw from the Sussex League. It’s not a decision anyone has taken lightly, but we think our position has become untenable.”

The first team was due to begin its Sussex Division Three (East) campaign at home to Haywards Heath on Saturday and the seconds were scheduled to visit Crowhurst Park in 2nd XI Division Three (East).

Established in 1901, Sidley won four East Sussex Cricket League 1st XI titles in the 1970s and 1980s before joining the Sussex Cricket League in 1986. They clinched the Sussex Division Three (East) title under Woodroffe’s captaincy in 2011.

It’s hoped, however, that Sidley’s third team - which plays its home games at Sandrock in Hastings - will be able to compete in East Sussex Cricket League Division 11 this summer. Sidley Sports & Social Club has closed its doors as a result of severe financial problems following an EGM on Monday.

See Friday’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.