The decision to retire from a game that has given him much will have been a tough one. However, in recent years, injuries and illness have taken their toll on the former Yorkshire and Derbyshire player.

In his letter to the club, he said his times at Wakefield Road had been "his most enjoyable in cricket". In 2013, he captained our 1st team to its first Priestley Cup triumph in over 40 years.

Chris said: "I must now focus my attention on family and business with the energy and efforts I have. Despite a successful professional career in County cricket it has been the last 6 years representing Lightcliffe Cricket Club that has provided me with my most enjoyable times in cricket.

"I am extremely proud of my personal achievements and records with the bat in this time, but more importantly to have contributed to the most successful era in the Club’s history as Captain, Cricket Chairman and Head Coach."

Club Chairman Steve Hartley said: "Chris played his part in a period of great success for the club on the field and, on behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for his contribution.

"Cricket has provided him with a really good career and his decision to retire would not have come easily. As he now turns attention to his successful business ventures, we wish him well for the future."