ST ASAPH Cricket Club have opted not to participate in the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division’s west section this summer.

The club adhered to the request of its players and withdrew from the competition due to the travel involved and the uncertainty surrounding the current climate.

They did request to go into the east “bubble” for their reduced fixtures, but this was denied by league officials.

The Saints took part in an inter-squad contest on Saturday, and they will shortly begin their own mini-league with three formidable sides from across the region.

This will also involve Colwyn Bay, Prestatyn and Northop Hall, who are unable to participate in Liverpool and District Competition fixtures in the coming weeks due to the travel involved.

It will provide each team with some competitive action during an unprecedented summer of disruption thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

Given the city side’s late withdrawal, every other West team will have one or even two free weekends between now and the end of the season, with Bangor the first to miss out on Saturday.

The club’s impressive facility remains open for refreshments and outdoor training by appointment, with all the necessary social distancing measures put in place to ensure a safe transition back to some semblance of normality.