OFFICIALS from Beacon Cricket Club have apologised after their third team were forced to be removed from Division Six West in the Cornwall Cricket League.

During a meeting on Thursday evening, the competition's committee enforced rule 17.3.6 which stipulates any team who forfeits five games will be withdrawn from the league.

Beacon have had to call off their scheduled game against Paul seconds on Saturday, which equated to their fifth drop out in 2015.

In a statement on behalf the club, chairman Darren Proctor said: "Unfortunately due to a lack of player availability our third XI conceded their fifth fixture in Division Six West on Saturday.

"The club has made every effort to fulfil each and every fixture with our third XI, who have won five of the 7 games played, having occasionally played with just 8 players.

"The lack of availability has mainly come about due to several of our younger players gaining part-time employment for Saturday jobs which has prevented them from playing.

"This coupled with a few long term injures to our first second XI players has resulted in the current situation.

"We can only apologise to the league and all the clubs involved in Division Six West."

All games played by the team this season will be wiped from the records.