IN what are admittedly trying times, Aire-Wharfe League secretary Dave Alred is urging member clubs to look at things afresh.

At the end of the league's council meeting on Tuesday at Otley Rugby Club, he said: "I wish to address you all for a couple of minutes regarding the future of the clubs, league and cricket in general.

"We have consistently hammered on about moving forward, but so far very little, if any, movement has been made."

Worried about things such as a shortage of players, he added: "Doing nothing is no longer an option.

"We intend to visit all clubs within the league (three or four at a time) and expect that we will be met with an open mind on the way forward.

"It is expected that players over all age groups will be represented.

"We can no longer say 'it was good enough for us, it will be for them following'.

"It will not.

"We have said before that we have to move forward.

"What has gone is history. What we do today is history. We have to look ahead."

Alred added: "Just because you have always played cricket as we do now does not mean that it will survive.

"It will not.

"Those older members, and I include myself in that – and some of us are aware that our days are numbered – must look after the continuation of cricket, albeit not as we knew it.

"We ask that you look to yourselves, your clubs and what is happening with numbers available.

"Commitment is different nowadays, with (people having) more to do.

"Be honest and see the problems."

Silsden were earlier unanimously re-elected to the league, while Upper Wharfedale's resignation was confirmed.