After the Esholt game which saw Morley knocked out of the Priestley Cup on Sunday, Taylor informed the Scatcherd Lane club that he was standing down as captain and leaving with immediate effect.

A statement on the Morley website read: "The club would like to thank Matt for all his hard work both an and off the field and wish him well for the future.

"Adam Larkin has taken over as first XI captain pending a cricket committee meeting later this week."

Morley CC chairman Graeme Smith declined to comment further, but it seems likely the experienced Larkin will be given the skipper's job until the end of the season at least.

Morley also have the difficult job of finding a batsman to fill Matt Taylor's shoes, but they did move to strengthen the team last week with the signing of all-rounder Richard Barber from Central Yorkshire League side Altofts.

The 20-year-old is a middle order batsman and left arm spinner who spent a successful winter playing in Melbourne, Australia and he went straight into the side for last weekend's games after his signature was rushed through on Friday night.

Barber marked his Bradford League debut with a huge six at Keighley and he went on to score 10 before bowling well to take 4-50 from 12 overs. He was also among the wickets with 3-30 in the Priestley Cup tie against Esholt and hit 16 with the bat to look a handy addition to the Morley ranks.

This Saturday sees Morley back at Scatcherd Lane when they take on Windhill (start 1.30pm), Both teams have struggled of late, but although the visitors are second from bottom they have 30 batting bonus points - 10 more than second-placed Idle.

Morley seconds returned to winning ways last weekend and will be looking to get back in the top three in their division when away to Windhill.

l Morley's second team wicket keeper Jack Seddon had an eventful evening when playing for Yorkshire under 13s last week.

After batting superbly to score 78, he then had to leave the field for treatment while fielding after suffering five wasp stings.