Long serving Bishop Auckland cricket club secretary Harry Smurthwaite has finally called it a day.

Smurthwaite announced his resignation as an official and a player with Bishops at the club's annual meeting on Friday. "Enough is enough," he said. Smurthwaite will stay on as secretary until a replacement is found, but only until April.

"After over 50 years in the game, 36 with this club and 12 years as secretary, I think it is time for a younger person to take over," said Smurthwaite, who last year also took on the job of first team captain mid-season.

"Lack of commitment and regular unavailability made picking teams a nightmare."

The first XI finished bottom of the North Yorks and South Durham premier division for a second season, and this time were relegated for the first time in the club's history.

"Despite the lack of success on the field, the club has been making sound progress off it," he said.

Chairman Keith Hopper said he was hopeful of gaining a lottery grant to upgrade the changing facilities. There were offers to buy part of the Kingsway ground shared by the football club who plan to move to a new stadium, leaving the cricket club in sole occupation of Kingsway.

There was a possibility the boundary could be extended and purpose-built nets provided, said Hopper.

Members stood in silence as a mark of respect for members and supporters who died during 2001, including Tony Hawthorne, Jack Brown, "Emmy" Hope, "Marky" White, Dudley Drayson, Alan Bell, Nelson "Deafy" Webb, Jim Fairs, Janette Stubbs, Bob Soulsby, Geoff Snaith, Gordon Thompson.

Neil Duckworth and Jack Moran were made honorary life members of the club.

Duckworth has been with Bishops as a player and junior team coach for 36 years. Moran has been a staunch supporter for many years.

Mrs. Eileen Stones was voted member of the year for her constant fund raising efforts.

Darren Blenkiron is the new first eleven captain, with former skipper Keith Stones as vice captain. Darren's father Bill Blenkiron was club captain in the 1980s. John Brennan continues as second team captain.

Club officials elected: George Romaines (president), Harry Smurthwaite (secretary pro tem), Ray Belton (treasurer), Chris Foote-Wood (press officer), Trevor Clark (auditor). Committee: K Hopper, E Close, J D Atkinson, D Storey, S Ayre, D Sams.