League duo demoted over colts accreditation issue

The double-winning league champions of 1998 and 1999, Hungerford, were the main casualties of Southern Electric Premier League's accreditation process, which found the Berkshire club guilty of the non-provision of colts cricket at their club.

At the leagues' recent Annual General Meeting at the Rose Bowl in Southampton last month, the double winners were demoted, along with Winchester KS, to Division Three for their continued non-compliance of this vital accreditation ruling.

They have taken their punishment, but relegated duo Rowledge and Trojans are appealing against their relegations, as they feel they should be allowed to stay in the division. However, it is under the rules of the league that the next two sides from Division Three, namely Gosport Borough and Hursley Park, replace those demoted, should their own accreditation status allow.

Hursley Park certainly does, but Gosport Borough's pitch has been the subject of same debate in the past but it's improvement over the most recent seasons may allow them to step up with a Silver-Bronze marking.

Confirmed though was Hampshire Academy's position in the ECB Premier Division One with Burridge switching in the other direction. Southsea's accreditation looks to be sound enough and they will join up alongside South Wilts II, replacing Redlynch & Hale and Hartley Wintney in Division Three.

The fixtures for the forthcoming season have been delayed pending the appeal decision, and will appear on the site as soon as they are available.

It was the only major bone of contention at an otherwise subdued meeting, but their was bad news of league chairman Alan Bundy, who has been in intensive care for nearly two months since returning with a virus from his holiday in Tenerife.

`Bunders' is making slow progress at present as the doctors keep him under close scrutiny at Southampton General Hospital. The league and all its members wish him well in his swift recovery.