THE long-running saga of last year's forfeited Priestley Cup final is over.

With both sides realising that a resolution should be found to a disagreement that has lasted for 14 months, an agreement over the punishment for Farsley, who conceded the match to Woodlands due to fielding an understrength side, has been reached with the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League.

Farsley's original ban from the Priestley Cup (and Shield) of four years has been trimmed to one (the 2019 event) but the other three years have been suspended for two years and will only be activated if Farsley forfeit any cup match in that period.

The Rams' first and second teams will therefore be entered into the draw for both the Priestley Cup and Shield for 2020 and have reimbursed the league in relation to any revenue lost as a result of the forfeiture against Woodlands at Undercliffe CC.

Red Lane will also be eligible to stage cup finals in the future.

The Bradford League statement reads: "Following discussions an agreement has been reached between the League and Farsley CC to settle the ongoing dispute between the two regarding the forfeiture of the Priestley Cup Final 2018.

"It was agreed by all parties that in the interests of cricket and specifically the interests of the Bradford Premier Cricket League that a resolution should be found.

"Agreement reached: The suspension from competing in cup competitions is amended to 1 year with the further 3 years to be suspended for 2 years – this would only be activated should Farsley CC forfeit any cup match during this period.

"Both teams would therefore be entered in to the draw for season 2020.

"Farsley CC have reimbursed the league in relation to income lost as a result of the forfeiture.

"Farsley CC to be eligible to host cup finals in the future."

It was the first time in the Priestley Cup's 114-year history - including both world wars - that the final was not played.

The initial date was washed out on the Sunday, and Farsley were missing four key players on the re-arranged date - including James Wainman, James Logan and Chris Henry - 24 hours later.

Rather than risk putting second-teamers or even third-teamers into a final when Farsley felt they would have been out of their depth, they opted to concede the tie.

Apart from their initial four-year ban, Farsley were also fined £2,000, banned from hosting any Bradford League final for 10 years and asked to write a letter of apology to the Bradford Premier Cricket League secretary within seven days.

Farsley subsequently appealed against their punishment and, after solicitors' letters have gone backwards and forwards, agreement has only just been reached a year on.

The £2,000 fine was made up of £1,500 to hosts Undercliffe and £475 costs to the Bradford League, with the other £25 being a fine to Farsley themselves.