Hunstanton are confident of surviving as a club despite a plunge in their playing membership.The Norfolk Alliance Division Two side called an EGM last week after they were unable to field a full team in a league game against North Runcton A, which they lost by 77 runs.

Hunstanton are confident of surviving as a club despite a plunge in their playing membership.

The Norfolk Alliance Division Two side called an EGM last week after they were unable to field a full team in a league game against North Runcton A, which they lost by 77 runs.

“We have our problems at the moment and we are quite short on numbers, so we called the EGM to discuss the situation,” said club coach Paul Searle. “But we had 11 out last Saturday against Dersingham and we have a full side again this weekend, so I think everything has come to a head. We have given it a month to see how it goes and hopefully we will be able to pull some extra people in.”

Searle said that the player shortage had been made worse because Hunstanton's plans to bring in an overseas player had fallen through, although they are hoping to recruit a replacement in the near future.

The club narrowly missed out on promotion to Division One last season and they lie mid-table this term. Tomorrow they travel to Manor Park to face Horsford A.

Searle said: “One of our biggest problems is the amount of travelling involved. With games starting at 1.30pm, we often have to meet at 11.30am when we are playing away. Hunstanton is a tourist town and Saturday is a busy day, so it is difficult to get enough people who are not linked with that industry to play.

“But things are looking brighter and I think we will survive, it is just a difficult time at the moment.”

The club, which now runs just one senior team on a Saturday, is holding regular coaching sessions in a bid to attract new young players and Searle added: “We will speak to anyone who is interested in joining.”