The JCT 600 Bradford League's Management Board have tonight reluctantly accepted the resignation of Esholt.

The Division One club decided to request their release for the 2009 season after merging with Tong Park to form a merged club called Tong Park/Esholt.

The merged club has opted to take up the old Tong Park club's place in the Aire-Wharfe League Division Two.

The move has been cleared by the YCB/YCA senior clubs committee and was reluctantly endorsed by the JCT 600 Bradford League's Management Board at their meeting at Cleckheaton.

The decision is to be confirmed in writing to the Tong Park/Esholt club. In a statement the Management Board said: "It is with regret that we accept the resignation of Esholt. We wish the new club success in the future."

Esholt joined the JCT 600 Bradford League in 1999 and last season was there first in Division One. During the campaign they created a good impression on and off field and eventually finished tenth.

The confirmation comes two days before the annual general meeting which is being held at Pudsey Congs on Thursday.