CONTROVERSY raged in the Blackburn and District Association Second Division promotion play-off match with Third Division Prince Sports walking off the court after only four games had been played.
This left Abacus somewhat surprised at their action, but safe in the knowledge that they will also retain their place in Division Two next term.
Although no further action can be taken regarding this debacle, the management committee look likely to hold an inquiry at some later stage.
With the season's programme completed, this week's programme was all play-off matches as team's strove for the final promotion slots.
Only one team lower division was able to clinch promotion, with the other three retaining their higher places in their respective divisions.
In the play off for the First Division, Stanhill - who last season proposed this new ruling - found themselves having to defend their First Division place against an improving Telecom A side. However, the going was much too strong for Telecom and favourites Stanhill survive another season in the top division of the league. The Division Four play-off proved to be the closest event of all four matches. Olympic A, anxious to retain their Third Division place, were made to play hard. However, Aztecs equally wanted to gain the promotion for which they had toiled so hard all season.
The match finally hinged on the extra games in which Aztecs secured a better score in the mixed doubles, but with Olympic only being able to secure four of the level doubles, Aztecs won the match, but to illustrate the highly competitive nature of this match, they finished some six aces behind.
The play off fixture for the Fourth Division went as was expected with YMCA D easily outplaying St Matthew's from the Fifth Division.
Preparations are now in hand for the Annual General Meeting where several controversial rule changes have been proposed. These will be discussed by the clubs on June 16 at the East Lancs Cricket Club.
Any new club or group of players who would like to consider entering a team next season, should also attend the meeting.
Results - Division One play off: Stanhill B 13-225, Telecom A 3-138.
Division Two play off: Abacus 14-234, Prince Sports 2-43.
Division Three play-off: Aztec 9-184, Olympic A 7-190.
Division Four play-off: YMCA 11-217, St Matthew's 5-138.
Fixtures: June 15 - AGM: East Lancs CC; June 25: Management committee meeting.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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