ACCRINGTON Sports took the Division One runners-up spot in the Memorial League after they had finished with an identical points record to Swan Whalley.

But Sports will take little satisfaction in the manner of their triumph -Swan were forced to pull out of a play-off decider as they were unable to raise a side for the game. League rules dictated that the second and third clubs should play-off after Heys Inn had been crowned top division champions.

In Division Two, Royal Hotel v Brownhill Arms and Little Crown v Calderstones Hospital matches were also left unplayed as all four clubs found it difficult to raise full sides and as the results of both matches were academic, it was decided to leave them unplayed.

The final placings in Division Three were decided the previous week with Lomax Arms champions and Clitheroe's Brown Cow runners up. The Knockout Trophy, as already announced, was not completed this season due to the colossal number of league match postponements because of continual bad weather. This season the presentation evening will be on Wednesday June 23 at Accrington Stanley Sports Club, and the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, July 6 at Salesbury Cricket Club.

There are a number of vacancies in our league for the season 1999/2000 and details of how to apply can be obtained by ringing Harry Dewhurst on 01254 825081. Applications have to be received by May 31, 1999.

It is with deep regret that we report the death of Mark Laffy, the honorary secretary of the Clarence Hotel FC.

Mark died in hospital late last week. He leaves a wife and young family. A letter of condolence has been sent on behalf of the league executive and all officials of the league and all the players.

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