CALNE have been named as the Wiltshire League Division One champions – but their promotion into the West of England Premier League could still hinge on a further appeal by rivals Purton.

As reported in the Gazette & Herald last month, Purton were punished for fielding Tom Bowler, who was ruled ineligible by the Wiltshire League, in their win over Westinghouse on August 18, their subsequent five-point deduction moving Calne into top spot.

Despite appealing the initial decision but being informed that it would not be reversed last Friday, Purton may still take their case to Wiltshire Cricket.

“In the league’s opinion, Purton played an ineligible player last season and the penalty imposed was in line with the same penalty in the WEPL,” said Wiltshire League chairman Mike Smith.

“The club appealed and we had an appeal hearing last Friday, where they put their points across but we came to the decision that it would stand.

“As far as the league is concerned, the matter is done now but they could still go above our heads to our masters at Wiltshire Cricket.

“I want to stress that this isn’t about individuals. Purton are a good cricket club but we have to act in the interests of all of the clubs that elect us.”

Calne chairman Martin Butler says his club will prepare for a return to the West of England League and said: “We were told that Purton’s appeal had been turned down and that we’d been promoted so that’s how we’ll go forward.

“We deserve to be back in the WEPL and the only really shame is that the league table wasn’t a true reflection of a season because we never actually got the chance to play Purton because of the weather.”

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