Cricket team hit for six over ‘spineless’ act

IT WAS the “spineless” act of gamesmanship that was predictably branded simply not cricket – and now the village team responsible has been punished for it.

Carew Cricket Club, which caused a row over fair play when an early declaration saw them win a league title, have been relegated as punishment. Carew declared at 18-1 during their Pembroke County Cricket Club Division One title decider with second-placed Cresselly.

They had worked out they could lose the match but still claim the championship if they denied their opponents any batting or bowling bonus points. Carew said it was deciding whether to appeal against their first team being demoted to division two. The team was allowed, however, to remain champions.

The Welsh club’s match against Cresselly on Aug 26 prompted outrage on Twitter. Piers Morgan, a breakfast TV presenter, tweeted: “Congratulations @Carewcc – you spineless, cowardly bunch of pathetic numpties.”