RAY Taylor has resigned from his position as secretary of the Bolton Cricket League after 28 years in the role.

His decision has shocked league clubs and officials who are holding an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Taylor has given 38 years' of service to the Bolton League in total, having been junior secretary for a decade before taking on the position of league secretary.

His decision was a surprise to everybody in local cricket circles.

Explaining his reasons for quitting, he said: "I stood down over a disagreement about the application of the rules of the Bolton League.

"I will still be watching Bolton League cricket and continue to support all my former colleagues.

"We already have Simon Rees, who does a good job taking the minutes at meetings, and four very able sub-committees to continue the day-to-day running of the league."

Bolton League chairman, John Hutchinson, said: "Ray has given unparalleled and fantastic service to the BCL and his resignation has come as a surprise to everybody.

"We will wait until after our egm on Wednesday, when our 20 member clubs have had a chance to have their say, before making a statement."