PRESTON Cricket Club are to investigate allegations of unsportsmanslike conduct during last weekend's Vaux Bitter Cup clash with Leyland.

During the game, it is alleged that Preston all-rounder Paul Paynter called umpire Alf Dunn a cheat for not giving Leyland's Neil Kenyon out.

At the time, the umpire spoke to Preston captain Manoj Parekh.

Then, to compound matters, it is alleged that Leyland captain Mark Pallet refused to accept that he was LBW, as given by the umpire.

He stood his ground, and then departed to the pavilion at what spectators described as a snail's pace.

The Vaux Northern League Code of Conduct describes such actions as dissent.

If league rules are followed then both players could find themselves in front of the league for breaching the rule which reads: "Players and club officials must at all times accept the umpire's decisions.

"Players must not then show dissent at the umpire's decisions."

David Wilson, chairman of Preston Cricket Club, said: "I did not see the incidents which were mentioned.

"However, we treat all allegations seriously and will be looking to deal with it swiftly, in accordance with the league rules."

PRESTON Cricket Club look set to host a county standard game this autumn as they to resurrect the Guild Trophy.

Last played in the 1992 Guild Year, the trophy is contested between two county sides, one of who is normally Lancashire.

This year, Leicestershire have already confirmed they will play the tie at South Meadow Lane, thanks partly to the contact between the two clubs over Ben Harrison and Atul Satchdiva, both of who have made county-level appearances in various teams.

Organisers are now waiting on a decision from Lancashire, who are expected make a decision soon.

If all passes off well, county league cricket could soon be on its way back to the club on a permanent basis.

Officials from Lancashire are expected to lay a county-standard pitch at the ground in September, paving the way for second XI games to be played there.

Mr Wilson added: "We are hoping the ground will stage first XI games like it did before the war one again."

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