THE Spenser Wilson Halifax League are to reconsider their decision to award Jer Lane 12 points from their abandoned game against visitors Northowram Hedge Top on Saturday, May 20.

A statement from league chairman Anthony Briggs was read out at the league's council meeting at Pellon Social Club, which admitted that the verdict "had caused quite a bit of debate throughout the league".

It continued: "This matter was dealt with by the executive as a result of comments recorded on the match report sheet by the umpires. Although Jer Lane did raise a complaint, this matter was dealt with under match procedures and local Halifax league rules, not as a disciplinary issue.

"Written submissions were obtained from Northowram, Jer Lane and, perhaps most importantly, the umpires, who are the sole arbiters of ground conditions and match rules.

"The umpires informed both teams that, following a ground inspection, the game would commence at 4.05pm – the latest time a game can commence after tea was taken early.

"The match was abandoned at 4.07pm after the Northowram batsmen failed to enter the field of play.

"All the initial written submissions were distributed to the full executive, who voted independently in reaching this decision.

"The executive stated at the time on the league website that it is 'sad when the result of the match has to be decided in the committee room and it trusts that all clubs and umpires reflect on this case and ensure that such a situation does not arise again'.

"Northowram HT were very disappointed as a club with the decision made by the executive and they met the new management board on Wednesday, June 21 to state their case.

"As a result of that meeting, some new information and anomalies have emerged, including some MCC rules which could over-ride our own local rules (which, as we have already established, don't have an appeals process in place).

"Since that meeting, further written information has been obtained from Jer Lane and one of the umpires.

"The league management board have therefore taken the decision that the matter will be re-examined at the next full executive meeting on Monday, July 17 to ensure all angles have been covered. A further announcement on the matter will be made following that meeting."

The statement went on: "Northowram would like to make it clear that they had every intention of playing the game and that, in their view, there was insufficient time to get their opening batsmen padded up and on the field of play and that this decision reflects unfairly on them as a club. It must be said, however, that one of them was ready.

"The executive are also acutely aware that this decision impacts on those teams challenging for the Premiership title who will fell aggrieved that one of their challengers received extra points when, in all probability, the game would not have (been) completed due to the weather.

"Many executive members were very uncomfortable in reaching the decision that was made but felt that, after examining the information available, applying the rules and backing the umpires that on balance it was the correct one, despite it being a very difficult call to make.

"At this stage it is impossible to give any firm indication whether the original decision will be upheld or altered in any way. I think if all parties reflect on what has happened, then this issue could have been prevented.

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but if Jer Lane, Northowram, the umpires and the league executive had their time again, I strongly believe things could have been handled much better and there are many learnings that we all should take from this for the future."