AVONCROFT Cricket Club has had its hopes of playing in Worcestershire County League division three next season dashed, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal.

The club finished third in division four last season, one place behind the promotion places.

They were granted a higher league berth to make up numbers because Hereford-based cider giant Bulmer's, from the Marches Cricket League, applied to join the Worcestershire League and were offered a place in division three.

But now Bulmers has sold its cricket pitch for financial reasons and has therefore withdrawn its application, keeping Paul Athey's side in division four.

County League administrator Alan Bayley said Bulmers wanted to play in the league as it feeds into the Birmingham League.