Devonshire Recreation Club are back in the First Division title hunt after winning an appeal to get back points which had been deducted by Bermuda Cricket Board.

Devonshire were made to forfeit all of their points two weeks ago for allegedly fielding an ineligible player, former Commercial Leaguer Chris Daley. It was claimed by the Board that the player had violated transfer regulations.

However, yesterday it was learned the player had complied with those regulations and had not violated any rules or transfer amendments implemented at the Board's 2001 AGM.

Under the current transfer rules, players who haven't played in the BCB league for over a period of two years don't require transfers should they choose to return to the league.

According to BCB officials, the changes were made to "protect the integrity of the sport".

Daley formerly played for Somerset Cricket Club and Commercial side Jamaican Association.

"Apparently the Board had made a ruling stating that after two years you don't need to apply for a transfer and I think that it was an oversight on their behalf," explained a spokesperson from Devonshire Rec. yesterday.

A BCB spokesperson also confirmed that the matter had been resolved and that Devonshire's points had been reinstated.

Devonshire defeated Somerset Bridge by 121 runs at White Hill Field on Sunday to maintain their lead atop the First Division and also made a successful start to the defence of their First Division KO Cup title after handing Bridge a six wicket loss at Devonshire Rec. the day before.

Meanwhile, Police have been penalised seven points for allegedly fielding an ineligible player - former St.David's and Warwick allrounder Reginald (Lucky) Pitcher.

Pitcher is now playing for West Indian Association in the Commercial League.

Flatts remained among the First Division leaders with a comprehensive 177-run victory over 10-man Police at Police Field on Sunday. Scores: Flatts 265, Police 88.

James Celestine top scored for Flatts with 80 while Phillip Burgess scored 35, Derek Wright 30 and Chris Caisey 29. Freston Hurdle led Police bowlers with two for 35.

Nyon Steede was high scorer for Police with 20 while Richard Austin was the only other bat in double figures with 13. Caisey took four wickets for 16 runs off nine overs with three maidens while Vernon Eve had two for one run off 1.4 overs.

In the Knockout Cup on Saturday at Police Field, Police managed to field a full team but still suffered an eight-wicket loss against Flatts. Police 71, Flatts 76-2.

Lloyd Fray destroyed Police with a haul of five wickets for 24 off seven overs while Celestine led their batting with 31 not out. Hurdle took two for 30 off 5.2 overs to lead the Police bowlers.