Months of rampant speculation ended today with Dedication founding member Chris Hope formally announcing his resignation from the club. The news was met with shock and dismay by administrators and fans alike. Hope's contribution of 25 runs over his 10 games with Dedication was invaluable to the team's successes, and captain Geoff Pascoe is believed to be struggling to work out how to fill the hole left in the batting order. At a press conference held today, Pascoe put on a brave face, claiming that Hope left the club on friendly terms, but he was later overheard describing Hope to teammates as a "f**kin c*nt." Returning player Bill Barber made no such attempt to be amicable in public, telling reporters that "if that little wanker plans on playing against Dedication, he had better get himself a good helmet." With a high likelihood that Hope will in fact be playing against Dedication, Willowfest 2007 is shaping up to be a dirty tournament for all concerned.