THE chairman of the Southampton Evening Cricket League has stood down after an incredible 37 years in the role.

Doug Perry was given a standing ovation and presented with a carriage clock after making the announcement at the SECL’s AGM.

The 85 year-old had been on the committee for 58 years and has been replaced by Sarisbury Green stalwart Bob Joyce, who has will stepped up from vice-chairman.

Perry: “I was very emotional, I couldn’t get the words re-election out when I said I wouldn’t be standing for the position of chairman again.”

Perry, who is President of City of Southampton Sunday Football League, will continue to attend SECL meetings.

But he is concerned about the long-term future of the SECL, a competition that has featured sporting legends including Kevin Keegan, Robin Smith and Ted Bates.

He said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes and a lot of teams come and go.

“Unfortunately we’ve lost a lot more teams than we’ve gained in recent years and that’s a great shame.

“In the 1980s we had 72 teams over nine divisions and hundreds would watch our cup finals at Hoglands Park.

“Now we have 23 teams after losing another three this year.

"The pitches are not as good as they were but we still have one or two new teams this year.”