They may be the division one champions, but Carew Cricket Club will be playing in division two of the Pembrokeshire League in 2018 after being found guilty of ‘acting in a manner calculated to prejudice the good name and interests of Pembroke County Cricket Club’ following their controversial declaration in the final league game of the 2017 season.

Despite going into the game against Cresselly with a 21-point cushion to their credit, the Rooks, under the captaincy of Brian Hall, declared after being asked to bat by Cresselly with the score on 18-1.

This denied Cresselly the chance to gain any bonus points against their arch rivals and therefore gaining enough points to pip them at the post to claim the league title.

The decision sparked outrage among the local cricketing fraternity and beyond, with news of the declaration going viral throughout the world, resulting in the Pembroke County Cricket Club setting up a sub-committee to discuss it

At a hearing in Haverfordwest on Tuesday evening, Carew were found guilty of the charge, fined £300 and relegated to division two. As a result, their seconds drop to division three.

Brian Hall, who was charged with ‘not playing in the spirit of the game’ has been banned for a season, the second half of which is suspended.

It is not sure yet whether Carew will lodge an appeal, as neither they nor the County Club have commented on the decision.

Despite the punishment, Carew will remain as division one champions, although the decision to relegate them to division two and their seconds to division three means Kilgetty survive the dropping down from division one and Whitland seconds survive the drop to division three.

It’s believed Carew were charged with a Level 4 offence which is the most serious level of breach of conduct.

Should Carew appeal, they must set out the grounds of appeal in writing within four days of the notification of the disciplinary committee.

League rules decree that upon receipt of the notice of appeal, the penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the appeal.