Seven-up for bans as tempers fray

LIAM BROWN . . . six-game ban

SEVEN players banned for a combined total of 25 matches.

The monthly disciplinary statistics for August make for pretty grim reading in the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League.

But, according to league chairman Nigel Tench, it at least shows umpires are willing to report offences.

Those acted upon by the disciplinary committee were for a variety of misdemeanours.

Royton's Liam Brown was suspended for six games ­- his second offence this season for abusing an umpire.

The Walsden club saw two players receive bans. Max Gale got four matches for abusing and then goading umpires, while Stuart Hanson was handed two games for knocking over his stumps.

Hollinwood's Abid Hussain bagged four matches for swearing at an opponent and Monton and Weaste's Awais Jatala copped for an identical ban for abusing a rival.

Werneth professional Azam Hussain got two games for showing dissent at an umpire's decision and Ben Downend, of Stayley, picked up three matches for swearing at an umpire and then throwing his bat.

Another three disciplinary hearings took place after Tuesday's monthly league meeting.

MEETING

The meeting heard that umpires had come under pressure from players ­- some were threatened by legal action according to umpires administration secretary Eric Roberts ­- when doubt surrounded whether matches should go ahead because of ground conditions, fearing injury to players.

Roberts claimed this amounted to "bullying", and was "upsetting" to officials.

Tench says the PCL are "desperately short" of umpires, and with that in mind have organised a level one course next year.

It will take place on January 15, 22 and 29 (half-a-day) at Milnrow Cricket Club.

The league is hoping that those people who stand in junior matches will sign up.

THE PCL junior league presentation will be staged at Royton Cricket Club on Friday, October 21 (7.30pm).

While Littleborough have won 'A' section in the under-18 league, Norden and Shaw are still to play-off for 'B' division honours.

NIGEL Tench thanked those clubs for their "exemplary staging" of recent cup finals.