THREE clubs in the Norley and District Evening League have been fined and had points deducted after failing to play matches on time.

Division Two side Farmers Arms A as well as Golden Pheasant A and B, who play in Division Seven, have been fined £5 and lost 42 points.

Norley League committee organisers hope the punishment - the first time ever points have been deducted - acts as a deterrent to other teams.

The committee made the historic ruling last Thursday. League secretary Chris Raddy said: "The fines and point deductions were imposed when several teams failed to comply with match rule 17.

"This is that they failed to play matches on the set date or re-organise the match forward of the date.

"We hope that the action will prevent similar situations in the future. We're trying to stop this before it gets started."

Lostock A's hammering of Pochins A keeps them in contention for the Mid Cheshire League's Section One title.

Wharton Cons continue to push them all the way after their win against Owley Wood.

Rolls Royce A continue to storm Section Two following a win against Crewe PO while Wharton Rec A's win against Moulton RBL A keeps them top of Section Three.

Slow and Easy A extended their lead in Section Five with a win at George and Dragon as Crosstown B went down away at Beech Tree B.

Cuddington B put in the performance of the day in Section Six with an almost perfect display against Wharton Rec B, winning 251-159.

Wharton Cons A stretched their lead in the Norley Evening League Division One with a comfortable win at Winsford C7C A.

Lostock A beat Division Two leaders Wharton Cons B to improve their title hopes while Hartford A remain unstoppable in Division Three after destroying Davenham B.

Winnington Park's win against Green Dragon edges them closer to first place Shavington in Division Five. Beech Tree B and Farmers Arms B top Divisions Six and Seven respectively while Winnington Park D narrowly lead Barbers Aces in Division Eight following a win at Norley B.

Wharton Cons and Frodsham Red Lion are neck and neck in the race for the Norley Afternoon's Section One title.

Delamere A go top in Section Two as Knutsford Private lost at Beech Tree and Kingsley A pulled off a shock win against leaders Royal Mail in Section Three.

Slow and Easy top Section Four with a win at Winsford Cons B, Comberbach B beat Tarporley RBL to stay in control of Section Five and Tarvin lead Section Six.

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