Cleveland players have been banned for a total of more than four years from the Eastern Counties competition after a disciplinary hearing last night.

The Eastern Counties Cricket Association came down hardest on Shaki Darrell, who was charged with two counts of threatening an umpire during the game against Bailey’s Bay, Level 3 offences that earned him a 14 match ban. One of those charges had been reduced from a Level 4 offence.

In all, five Cleveland players were punished, or reprimanded, for offences ranging from the lowest level, showing dissent at an umpire’s decision, to showing serious dissent, and in Darrell’s case, making threats.

Allan Douglas Jr, the Cleveland captain, has been banned for the rest of this year’s competition, two matches, after he was found guilty of showing serious dissent. Douglas was also officially reprimanded for failing to control his players.

Dennis Musson was given a one-match ban after being found guilty of showing serious dissent, a level two offence. While, Dion Stovell and Jason Anderson were also punished for their behaviour at Lord’s, earning official reprimands for showing dissent, a Level 1 charge.

The ECCA still have to hear Cleveland’s appeal against the decision to strip them of the cup, a hearing that is due to take place on Monday evening.