The NCCC Academy have withdrawn from the Northamptonshire Cricket League.
The Academy, who have been a part of the top flight of club cricket in the County since 1981, will see out their six remaining fixtures of the current campaign before surrendering their place in the 12-strong Premier Division.
Although it is yet to be ratified by the NCL hierarchy, precedent suggests that there will be no relegation from the top division with the champions of the second tier taking the Academy’s place.
There had been speculation surrounding the Academy’s place in the NCL structure with their resignation, which needed to be offered before the end of the month, being confirmed today (Monday).
The County’s intention is to schedule a limited number of fixtures for their Academy side and continue the practice of farming out players to clubs in the league.
Funding for the Academy will be ring-fenced and not cut with the decision taken being based on cricketing criteria as opposed to financial constraints.