HEM Heath's promotion hopes have been hit by a huge points deduction.

The North Staffs and South Cheshire League Division One side has had 60 points docked and been hit with a £300 fine for intimidating umpires during their match against Cheadle on Saturday, June 26.

Heath, who were joint second, have now dropped eight places because of the incident. The club seemed set for victory against Cheadle when umpires Pete Cook and Alan Philpott halted play due to bad light. The decision resulted in a heated confrontation with the officials.

The league's disciplinary committee has also ordered Heath to write a letter of apology to both umpires. Heath have until Saturday to appeal against the points deduction and fine. Saturday's second-team scores - Premier Division: Betley 228-6 dec (P Wood 789, S Reynolds 47), Longton 151ao (P Wood 4-55). Division One: Cheadle 84-2, Crewe 82ao (R Highfield 38); Elworth 231-2 dec (M Robinson 110no, T Hughes 72), Hem Heath 148ao (P Coleman 30-28); Norton 207-7 (G Davies 3-51), Haslington 143-9.