The Cricketers Cricket Club have folded after more than quarter of a century in North Herts. It is Over and Out for the Ickleford-based cricket club due to a variety of reasons including declining playing numbers and ground maintenance costs. The Crickete

The Cricketers Cricket Club have folded after more than quarter of a century in North Herts.

It is Over and Out for the Ickleford-based cricket club due to a variety of reasons including declining playing numbers and ground maintenance costs.

The Cricketers have been playing all home fixtures at Hitchin Boys' School but no clubhouse or colts section meant it was hard to attract younger playing members to enable the club to continue.

Former captain Ian Cousins, who was the fixture secretary this season, explained: "The club had run its course with the current members.

"Not having a base meant we struggled to attract new players.

"We were still reasonably successful in our two leagues this season but the time has come to call it a day.

"It was a very good social cricket club which has served its purpose for all the players and club members."

Formed in 1980 by a group of old schoolfriends, the club have enjoyed considerable success in the last three decades, winning the North Herts League four times and runners-up six times over a 13-year period from 1989-2002.

The club played in the Saracens Herts League (Saturdays) and Broadview Windows North Herts League (Sundays) during the recent 2006 season.

Cousins added: "We hope to have a yearly reunion in the future for all the players and members to attend. This will keep the club going, at least in name.