THE ECB Cornwall Premier League will have 11 teams this summer following the withdrawal of Hayle from the county's top division.

The league has been expanded from ten to 12 teams this year, but following Helston's withdrawal, Callington replaced them. The league has decided not to seek a replacement for Hayle.

A club statement to the league read: “Following a meeting of our committee on Monday, and senior players on Tuesday, it is with great regret that we have come to the decision that we will be withdrawing Hayle CC from the Premier League this season.

"We have done our utmost to avoid this, but unfortunately events over the last couple of months have left us with no alternative.

It has become apparent that, as a club, we do not have the resources to attract and retain players with the ability to play Premier League Cricket. We will continue with teams in Division 2 and Division 5 West, re-group, move forward and learn from this experience.”

The club also said that they are “so disappointed as everything else is going so well”. A new electronic scoreboard is being fitted at the weekend.

Tim Marrion continues to run the youth section, following the successful All Stars programme launched at the Towans last summer.

Also lots of improvements have been made in the clubhouse.

They added: “We have a strong committee and will definitely survive and get stronger. We have plenty of players but just not the quality needed for Premier League.”

League Chairman Andrew Kent commented: “I would like to thank Hayle CC and Paul Lello for their efforts over the last 15 months or so in their aspiration to bring a County 1 side up to Premier League standard. Much has been achieved and a secure base for the future has been established with a growing youth section.”

He added: “The club has been communicating with me and I am certain that the decision has not been taken lightly by Hayle CC, as a lot of effort has been put in over the last few weeks and months to avoid this outcome.

"At this late stage the Premier League will continue with 11 teams for 2018.

"The League Management are evaluating the situation however and are likely to publish proposals for a restructuring of the higher tiers for 2019, prior to the start of the forthcoming season."