Bamford stripped of their title

CRICKET: BAMFORD Fieldhouse have been stripped of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League title for non payment of fines and forfeits totalling £775.

They have had all points gained from their last four matches of the season deleted —leaving Heyside champions.

The move follows a vote by member clubs in July that saw the Hollin Lane outfit thrown out of the league at the end of the season for “continued flouting of the rules”.

Bamford chairman Andy Barton said: “This has made a complete mockery of the season - and the league’s executive have made themselves a laughing stock. I’ve spoken to five of our players and their reaction was surprise.

“I did say I would pay the fees but quite honestly I forgot. There is no point in taking it any further. It has become a witch hunt against Bamford.”

Barton was contacted by the league on August 25 saying the club hadn’t been docked points for outstanding unpaid money, but might if the debt wasn’t settled.

Barton replied immediately, saying he would settle all outstanding fees “this week”.

In the interim Andy’s wife gave birth on September 6 and Barton “quite honestly forgot” about the fees.

When the league treasurer noted six days later that Bamford hadn’t coughed up, the executive committee decided Bamford wouldn’t be awarded any points from matches played after August 29.

A large percentage of the fine was for Bamford’s no-show against Droylsden in the rearranged Tanner Cup tie — Bamford played a prearranged LCB cup game instead.

A league spokesperson said: “Bamford had every opportunity to pay the outstanding money. They have run out of time.”

If Bamford don’t settle their debt it could prevent them joining another competition in future.