JCT600 Bradford League president Keith Moss has issued a warning about moronic behaviour' by spectators.

In his speech at the league's annual dinner at the Cedar Court Hotel, he said "the Priestley Cup final this year was in great danger of being marred by the moronic behaviour of a sad number of spectators.

"Fuelled by drink, they had a complete disregard for the enjoyment of others. My sadness could in part have been alleviated if the idiot stripper who invaded the field had suffered a nasty accident as he leapt over the stumps."

This is far from the first time a cup final has been blighted by such an incident, and Moss added: "To reiterate the words of our chief executive in the annual report, this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated on any of our grounds.

"It is discourteous to the host club (in this instance Bradford & Bingley), they have to clear up the mess made and their licence, irrespective of where drink is purchased, is at risk if the police become involved.

"The message is quite simple - come and enjoy the cricket, buy a drink from the bar and repspect the enjoyment of others."

Two other disappointments for Moss were the failure to attract new clubs to the league of a sufficient standard and the lack of progress in the dialogue between the Bradford League and Yorkshire County Cricket Club over having players within the league watched.

On new clubs, Moss said: "We have so much to offer. I hope the message will get through and that we do receive some worthwhile applications."

It wasn't all doom and gloom, however, and Moss praised the league over the continued success of the league's website, which "goes from strength to strength".

He said: "I consider it to be as good, if not better, than any other side in cricket. It also makes a bob or two for the league."

On the league's backers, Moss said: "I really do think the Bradford League is the envy of many other leagues by dint of the superb sponsorship it enjoys.

"Once again in 2007 we enjoyed the sponsorship of Sovereign Health Care for both the Priestley Cup and Shield.

"As you know, we had new sponsors for the league in 2007. May I say, with all sincerity, JCT600 have been quite magnificently supportive in every possible way."

It was also a positive year for the Bradford League Umpires' Association.

Moss said: "A lot of hard work during the winter culminated in a net gain of eight umpires - a great effort.

"In 2006, a total of 146 games had one umpire. In 2007, that figure was drastically reduced to 46. Well done to all concerned."

In summary, Moss said: "The league is in good heart, clubs are working to maintain and improve their grounds, a high standard of cricket has been played, exciting youngsters are coming on and umpires' numbers are increasing. We face the future with great confidence."