BURYTHORPE, the league champions for the past three seasons, have withdrawn from the Horwath Pulleyn York Vale Cricket League.

Burythorpe, who retained the First Division title for a third successive year this season, have reluctantly resigned from the league due to a shortage of available players on a Saturday.

Club secretary Phill Hill has stressed, however, that they will continue to play evening cricket in the Ryedale Beckett League.

Burythorpe have celebrated success after success since joining the Vale League in 1985, when they won the Third Division title and the Prendergast Cup in their debut season.

The club went on to lift a further 17 trophies, including eight division one titles in total.

Burythorpe were also one of the few clubs to win the achievement award in recognition of their approach to the game and their commitment to the league.

Last season, as well as winning the First Division title for a third time, Mark Fairweather topped the bowling averages while Steve Towse also lifted the Harry Smith wicket-keeper award.

Burythorpe's withdrawal means the York Vale League will start next season with 49 teams.

The League's management committee has decided Division Five will play with nine teams, meaning the teams finishing second bottom in divisions one to four have been reprieved.

As a result, Stamford Bridge, Westow, Askham Bryan and Heworth will not now be relegated. Promotion places are unaffected.

The draft fixtures and cup draws for next season are due to be sent out to clubs shortly after Christmas.

The League meanwhile has scheduled a meeting for January 22, 2002, at Fulfordgate Working Men's Club, starting at 7.30pm, to discuss proposals for its own Evening League.

The plans, discussed at the League's annual general meeting with the aim of helping in the development of younger players, are now ready to move to the next stage.

Updated: 12:04 Thursday, December 27, 2001