ALFOLD’S withdrawal from the I’Anson Competitions underlines a growing problem faced by many clubs, particularly those more isolated village clubs such as Alfold.

The 93-year-old club, situated on the Surrey/West Sussex border near Cranleigh, has a beautiful ground and it was an ideal setting for the I’Anson’s cup finals day last season.

Alfold’s organisation that day was impressive, too, but the club was already struggling with a shortage of players.

They managed to put out an I’Anson side at the start of this season, but lost heavily to Chiddingfold, Puttenham and Witley, twice fielding only ten players, before conceding to Tilford on May 21.

Alfold are the first club to withdraw a side from the top division, and with Lindford folding at the end of last season, it is a worrying trend for the I’Anson – one that will no doubt be a subject for discussion at the I’Anson Forum on Monday (June 6), which club representatives and players are being urged to attend. The meeting will take place at the Headley CC pavilion, starting at 7.30pm.

*All points gained by clubs who have played Alfold so far this season will be deleted from the totals and sides will have a free week when they were due to play Alfold.