MALDON Cricket Club could be handed a relegation lifeline.

But regardless of whether they stay up or not, outgoing skipper Martyn Coker says his side must “rebuild”, develop their existing talent and add fresh blood in readiness for next year’s Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship campaign.

Maldon could live to fight another day in division one, despite finishing second from bottom, in one of the relegation places.

Their fate now hinges on Saturday’s East Anglian Premier League promotion play-off between Two Counties champions Sudbury and Godmanchester.

If Sudbury win and go up, only one side will drop down into division two and that will be basement boys Elmstead Grasshoppers.

“Relegation isn’t a certainty,” said skipper Coker, who saw his side end on a high after winning by five wickets at home to Witham on Saturday.

“If Sudbury win their play-off, we’ll stay in division one.

“But whether we do or not, we know that as a club we must rebuild and develop the players we have, while also looking to add to our squad.

“The season has been disappointing as we’ve struggled to put together performances on a regular basis.

“Chris Harris has been outstanding, but most of the side can reflect on inconsistent performances that have led to our final league position.”

There were three wickets apiece for Toby Pugh, Robb Macmillan and Ian Elliott in last weekend’s victory at Drapers Farm.

Chris Harris then scored 57 and Macmillan 55.

It was a great way to end the season, but afterwards Coker confirmed he is stepping down as Maldon skipper.

“I won’t be standing to be captain again next year,” he said.

“After two years of doing the job, I’ve decided I want to concentrate on my own game again, scoring more runs and taking more wickets next season.”

Maldon’s second team ended their season with a seven-wicket defeat at Great Bromley.

They finished fifth in division five.