Lightning has struck Devonshire Recreation Club twice within the space of two months.

After missing out on a place in local soccer's FA Cup Final in March when it was discovered their team had fielded an ineligible player in the semi-final, the Devonshire club's cricket side have now been found guilty of exactly the same offence.

And yesterday they were sensationally stripped by Bermuda Cricket Board of all league points won so far, dropping them from second place in the First Division to dead last.

The BCB claim that new signing Chris Daley reportedly failed to meet the necessary transfer requirements. Daley switched to Devonshire from Commercial League team Jamaican Association.

Devonshire Recreation Club official Ellsworth Christopher confirmed yesterday that a dispute involving his club had arisen but refused to elaborate on the latest controversy. He did, however, disclose that Devonshire had lodged an official appeal.

League standings released by the BCB this week showed Devonshire in last place with three wins but no points, confirming that action had already been taken.

"There are certain points that we will bring up that will cause someone to look at it again," said Christopher yesterday.

"But I really don't want to comment on the matter at this stage because there is an appeal going on. We have appealed and are looking at the administrative aspects that are involved."

Devonshire were in the midst of a solid start to the season which saw them off to a three and one record.

Yesterday's revelation came only a couple of months after another controversy shattered Devonshire Cougars' FA Cup aspirations.

Cougars trounced Prospect 5-2 in a March 9 FA Cup semi-final at Somerset but were later forced to forfeit the match after is was discovered that forward Khari Goddard had played under suspension. Goddard had received an automatic one-match ban after accumulating more then three yellow cards.

The Royal Gazette yesterday received several calls from angry Devonshire cricketers who hinted that some form of protest may arise from the Board's decision to strip the club of their points.

Meanwhile, according to the BCB latest league standings, Flatts emerged victorious over Bailey's Bay after the two east end clubs had their May 17 match abandoned by the umpire due to bad light. It was decided that Flatts had won on a superior run rate.