CRICKET club chiefs have decided not to take action over claims that a match was interrupted by people at a nearby party.

Jeering and chanting was heard coming from a garden during a game between Oswaldtwistle Immanuel Church and Ribblesdale Wanderers Third XI teams.

The garden, which backed onto the pitch, was behind the house of Oswaldtwistle first team player Roger Watson - but the club's vice-chairman said he believed no club members were involved.

Oswaldtwistle's Australian professional Matthew Lawrence was staying at Mr Watson's home at the time.

Ribblesdale Wanderers player Ian Kirk, who played in the match, said: "We decided at a meeting that the matter was closed and would not be taken any further."

The Clitheroe club had originally said one of its batsmen was going to write to the league to complain, but has now decided against taking action.

Mr Watson denied claims about what happened in his back garden and the former Lancashire all-rounder said it was just "a few lads having a few drinks and nothing to do with cricket".

Oswaldtwistle vice-chairman David Baron said: "We have received no complaint and, in the circumstances, it would have been very difficult for the club to take the matter anywhere."

He stressed that the incident had taken place outside the cricket ground and, as far as he was aware, no club members had been involved.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.