Three Premier Division clubs have been docked points by the Bermuda Cricket Board for failing to pay outstanding umpire fees.

Somerset, St David’s and Willow Cuts have all had thirteen points deducted for outstanding debts owed to umpires for their services last season.

According to league regulations, clubs must pay their dues by June 15 or risk having points deducted.

The deductions leave Somerset and Willow Cuts level on 29 points and locked in a battle to avoid the second relegation spot, alongside Cleveland, who are presently fourth on 33 points. Flatts, who are bottom and all but relegated, play Somerset on Sunday, with Cuts and Cleveland facing each other.

With the Premier Division being reduced to six teams next season, the bottom two clubs this year will be relegated, while the side that finishes fifth will face a promotion-relegation play-off against the team that finishes second in the First Division.

Somerset and St David’s are believed to have now paid off their debts, while at least two of the clubs penalised have contemplated appealing against the sanctions imposed against them.

However, the regulations on this matter have been in place for the past two seasons, and clubs were sent a letter on February 24 reminding them of the consequences of not paying on time.

One board official questioned why it was only now that the clubs were complaining, and said that to not enforce the regulation would make a mockery of all the league’s rules.

* Bermuda’s touring national development teams endured mixed fortunes in England yesterday.

The under-16s thrashed Watford by nine-wickets with Jade Morrisey, the captain, top scoring with an unbeaten 51 and sharing in an 80 run opening stand with Kristian Singh who scored 27.

In contrast, the under-14s lost to Spencer by 106 runs.