Lordswood Rugby Club have withdrawn from London 3 South East, because they are unable to raise sides due to the recession.

The club pulled out of Saturday’s trip to leaders Old Elthamians - the second time the Medway club have not fulfilled a fixture this season – and then withdrew from the league altogether.

Club chairman Tony Gue said: “It’s a decision we had to take because we have been seven, eight or even 10 short, as players have to work on Saturdays.

“They are self-employed tradesmen including scaffolders, builders and plumbers who are not available to travel long distances to away games.”

Mr Gue has even played three times for the first XV himself this season to try and help out.

He confirmed that the club will start next season in Kent 1 and added: “It’s a blow, but I think we will come back stronger and really push things on.

“Dropping down a league means the rest of our first team will be able to play and we will have a good side.”

Lordswood faced a two-year ban from league rugby if they failed to raise a team for a third time this season, together with a 12-point deduction next season.

Mr Gue said: “The Rugby Football Union have been very good, they understand our situation and have really helped us.

“It’s been caused by the recession, and they are very unusual circumstances. I don’t think we will be the only club affected.”

Meanwhile Lordwood’s record has been expunged from the table, with Old Reigatians the biggest beneficiaries, climbing three places. The rest of Lordswood’s first team played for the 2nds on Saturday, beating Medway 40-0.