CHURCH have reacted angrily to claims skipper Phil Sykes sanctioned the deliberate wide which sparked furious scenes in their Lancashire League derby against Rishton.
Bowler John Longden said he was acting on captain's orders when delivering four wides to prevent Craig Smith reaching his century on Sunday.
A spokesman for Church said: "The statement is held to be inaccurate as there was no question of his having been told by the Church captain to bowl a wide.
"Nevertheless, irrespective of which player or players were involved, the incident was reprehensible in the extreme and in no circumstances is it condoned by this club."
The club intend to formally apologise to Rishton.
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