Clevie Wade has parted company with Cleveland County.

The former star all-rounder’s 3½-year stint as head coach of the Harris Bay club came to a halt by mutual consent at the conclusion of an ill-fated Premier Division Twenty20 campaign that ended in relegation.

It remains unclear whether a successor for Wade has been installed, but it is understood that Herbie Bascome, the Southampton Rangers coach, is assisting Cleveland as they prepare for the Eastern Counties second round against holders Bailey’s Bay in St David’s on Saturday.

When approached on the matter, Domain Rabain, Cleveland’s chairman of cricket, declined to comment.

“At this time, we won’t be commenting on the coaching situation,” he told The Royal Gazette.

Wade has confirmed he has left the club, however, but refused to elaborate further.

Rabain was prepared to comment on his club’s preparations for their important clash with Bay, as they attempt to wrestle the prized Eastern Counties Cup from their rivals.

“Every effort is being made to ensure the players are ready – physically, mentally and tactically – for the challenge ahead,” he said.

“The mood in the camp is positive and everyone understands the importance of this match for our community.”

Bay beat Cleveland by 142 runs in the opening round of the competition last year, with former professional Delray Rawlins scoring a maiden hundred (138) and guest players Zeko Burgess (four for 50) and Derrick Brangman (four for 64) leading the holders’ charge with the bat and ball.

The match proved a memorable occasion for Bay club president Stephen Outerbridge and Cleveland guest player Dion Stovell, who reached the 1,000-run county milestone.

Outerbridge and Stovell are the sixth and seventh to score 1,000 runs in the Eastern Counties.

Noel Gibbons, the former Bay captain, was the first to achieve the milestone in 1983, followed by team-mates Charlie Marshall and Ricky Hill, and St David’s pair Allen Richardson and Albert Steede.

Bay, who are coached by former West Indies player Gus Logie, got their title defence off to a shaky start last month, surviving a scare in a narrow ten-run triumph over Flatts in a thrilling and rain-affected first round at Lord’s.