ASHFORD solicitor Tim Fagg has resigned as chairman of Ashford Cricket Club. He has quit at a time when the Kent League club is struggling for players after relegation from the Premiership at the end of last season.

His resignation was delivered a few hours before Ashford held an emergency meeting to discuss their problems. Fagg was absent but the meeting went ahead with club secretary Bob Blount in the chair.

Fagg is understood to be frustrated by the lack of players for the new season and by delays in the proposed merger between the cricket club and Ashford Hockey Club, who share the ground at Ball Lane, Kennington.

Fagg, a trustee of the club, had been chairman for three years. His departure is a serious blow at a time when the cricket and hockey clubs are striving to make Ball Lane a viable dual-purpose sport venue.

Skipper Darren Pugh said the situation was serious with the club struggling to make up two teams for the start of the new Kent League season. Club hopes for an Australian import were hit when their signing was ruled out for the season with ruptured knee ligament after falling off a lorry.

Former chairman Bill Day, a trustee, declined to comment on Fagg's sudden departure. But he admitted that Ashford had held a meeting to discuss the club's struggle for players.

He said: "We have lost a lot of good quality players and we are looking to recruit replacements. There is not a wealth of talent out there to sign-up but the mood of the meeting was optimistic with members prepared to work hard to overcome our problems."

Players interested in joining the club are asked to telephone Mr Day on 01303 264572.