The Central Districts Basketball Club has announced the withdrawal of its women's team from the 2007 Central Australian Basketball League.

Centrals president Dale Martin announced the decision, after all efforts to field a competitive team had failed.

"The club is disappointed not to be able to field a team in 2007, especially with the improvements that were evident in the team last year and the appointment of Michael Cobbing, an experienced senior coach, to replace the retiring Kylie Taylor for 2007."

2006 saw an improved performance by the Lions women, after the recruitment of Jae Conn and Louise McLean, both of whom had experience in the SEABL. However, with McLean and Conn both returning to Warnambool one year earlier than scheduled, the club found it difficult to field a competitive team.

The club has already put plans in place to rectify the situation.

"A working party has been established by the club with a primary focus on reinstating the senior women's team for the 2008 season. The group will also advance a number of strategies for coaching development, player recruitment and development pathways, that are part of the club's strategic plan."

As a result of the withdrawal, the league took the decision to leave both the men's and women's competitions at 18 rounds, with each women's teams having two byes. A new schedule, with updated times for the men's games involving Centrals, will be released next week.