Police cricket team, once one of the most feared Premier Division sides on the Island, are in danger of folding ahead of the new season.

An exodus of players, combined with administrative problems, have forced the club to call meetings this week to determine their future.

As of yesterday it was still unclear whether the boys in blue would enter a team in the First Division where they have languished for the past two seasons. And if they do, they will likely be without many of their key players.

Gone via the transfer route are stalwarts such as Dennis Archer and Roshan Perera (to Western Stars), Jodi Maroni (Devonshire Rec.) and Terry Thomas (Social Club).

Even with these players, Police have struggled in recent seasons because of their lack of depth ? something which has been of great concern to club secretary and long-serving player Richard Austin.

"It hasn't necessarily dismantled our programme, but we struggled with them last season and without them I guess you could say our situation looks very bleak," said Austin, who was unable to offer any reason why so many players had decided to break ranks with Police.

Austin said there were issues that had gone unresolved and needed to be sorted out urgently.

But he pointed out it was also natural for players to move to "greener pastures" when the club weren't enjoying success.

During the 1980s and '90s Police were regarded as one of the Island's leading teams with games against top opponents like Bailey's Bay, Southampton and Western Stars pulling large crowds.

Among the Police line-up at that time were talented players such as Roger Blades, Tyrone Smith and Ronald Greenidge.

Austin recalled Police winning the Champion of Champions title in 1996 and their last Central Counties crown in 1999.

Since then the cricket programme has slowly regressed with few new recruits in the service joining the club.

"It's actually beyond a cricket issue to us," said Austin.

"In fact, there is something also being addressed at a Police administration level and this matter will be looked into over the next few nights when various meetings will be held.

"I am hopeful that we will be having a team, but it's conceivable that we will be struggling whichever way you look at it.

"If various issues are addressed and can be settled then perhaps those left who want to play cricket can proceed and enjoy the season's play."