PLAYERS involved in a village cricket match abandoned because of unruly behaviour have been censored.

A player from Delph and Dobcross Second X1 and a member of visiting Birkby Rose Hill team each received a ban after an investigation by Huddersfield Cricket League Disciplinary Sub Committee.

It followed an incident during the second innings at the Delph ground in August.

It embarrassed one of the umpires who, with a local MP had urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to support the return of village cricket which initially put on hold by the coronavirus.

Saddleworth parish councillor John Battye praised Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, for supporting his plea helping reverse Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s“bizarre” decision not to allow village cricket matches.

Cllr Battye, 75, is a lifelong member of the famed Delph and Dobcross cricket club which once had West India’s Test team Sonny Ramadhin as club professional. Mrs Abraham's husband John is a former Lancashire cricketer is an ex- manager of the England under 19 side.

A spokesman for the Huddersfield league said: “One Delph and Dobcross player has been charged with an offence in accordance with the YCB Disciplinary Code and will receive a three week ban effective from the beginning of the 2021 season.

“Another Delph and Dobcross player has been charged with an offence and has been formally warned and cautioned regarding their misconduct.

“The Disciplinary Sub Committee has decided on this occasion in the circumstances, not to take any further action against the Delph & Dobcross captain.”

He added: “We also charged a Birkby Rose Hill player with an offence and a one week ban to run from the start of the 2021 season but, as with with the Delph and Dobcross captain, it was concluded no further action would be taken against the Birkby Rose Hill Captain.

“Both clubs and captains were reminded about the duty and requirement to take control and have responsibility for the conduct, behaviour and actions of their players during future matches.”