The Aire-Wharfe League have opted, for the moment, not to join the Yorkshire Pyramid System.

The decision "that the Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League maintains independence and does not become a part of the Yorkshire Pyramid System at this stage" was taken at a special general meeting last night at Green Lane Cricket Club.

An Aire-Wharfe League statement issued today said: "The league is proud of the standard of cricket played, and indeed of its clubs.

"In general, the feeling was that there would be no benefit to the league as a whole in becoming part of the 'system'.

"Any movement by the league's top clubs to entry below the Premier League could be at best a sideways move or at worst a lower move.

"If the League did enter the Pyramid System, it may lose clubs and could find itself lowering standards, which would not be to the benefit of the league."

Meanwhile, the Aire-Wharfe League have a vacancy for one club and would welcome applications.

The league statement ended: "Such applicants will be informed of the decision of the league by mid-June as the league seeks to maintain its standards and attract other clubs for the future.

"Applications should be made by Saturday, May 28 to secretary@airewharfecricket.org.uk."