Tormey ruling hands Silsden title

6:16pm Friday 5th September 2008

Silsden have been declared champions of Division Two and Steeton are in the driving seat to be promoted after previous leaders Knaresborough were docked 24 points by the Aire-Wharfe League.

The punishment was imposed because Knaresborough’s overseas player Dale Tormey was found to be in breach of an ECB directive on fast bowlers that states anyone aged under 19 cannot bowl more than seven overs per spell.

Tormey, who has been a revelation for Knaresborough this season – scoring more than 1,000 runs – is only 18.

The irony is that while his batting has been magnificent, including five centuries, his best bowling has only been three wickets and that on just three occasions.

However, he exceeded the rules against Harden, Calverley, Colton, Follifoot and Tong Park and the league have reversed the results in each of those games.

Silsden are now champions with 78 points. Steeton, who have 66 points, have two games remaining against Colton and Follifoot but they can still be overhauled by Calverley (62) and Follifoot (61), while Upper Wharfedale and Knaresborough have a mathematical chance on 57 points.