OLD Rossendalians will be hauled before a Jennings Ribblesdale League disciplinary committee this week after allegations of sledging following a recent game against Settle.

League officials have launched an investigation into claims that fielders from the Rawtenstall-based club were involved in the abuse of Settle players -- some of whom were as young as 15. "It all started when they got a bad lbw decision in the first over," said Settle skipper Martin Scaife.

"The lad didn't take it too kindly so they then called us cheats for the rest of the afternoon.

"They had obviously had a drink but just how many I don't know.

"But they had been somewhere beforehand, because they told us. We have sent a letter of complaint into the league.

"At one point, the umpires threatened to stop the game.

"And even some of their players, who weren't involved in the incidents, apologised after the game.

"But we are trying to get as many young lads playing as we can and it's not a very good advert for the league, is it?" Ribblesdale League secretary, Rod Slater, today confirmed the league have received a letter of complaint from Settle following the stormy Division Two clash at the Yorkshire club's Marshfield ground on May 28.

And, after a meeting of the league management committee last week, a disciplinary panel will sit next Thursday at Blackburn Northern.

"The allegation is that there was an element of sledging by the Old Rossendalians towards the Settle players," said Slater.

"The main complaint is that it was directed towards the younger players.

"The league management committee met last Monday night and a disciplinary panel will meet late this week.

"We have not received any complaints from spectators about the conduct of the players, but it is possible they may have heard what is supposed to have been said."

Francis Jelley, secretary of Old Rossendalians, said he was aware of the allegations but had not officially received a copy of the letter of complaint.

Slater added: "The English Cricket Board issued a recommended code of conduct which we have taken on board and have issued to all clubs in an effort to cut down on the amount of sledging," he added.