THE outcome of the Lancashire League’s investigation into allegations that champions Clitheroe paid an amateur player remains ongoing and a decision will not be reached until late next month at the earliest.

Two disciplinary hearings have already taken place, the first on December 9 and the second last Saturday, but more time is required and a third hearing will now take place on February 24.

That means a decision, and the destination of the league title, will not be made until then at the earliest, more than five months since the league season finished and just seven weeks before the new campaign gets under way.

Despite the delays in an outcome the annual presentation dinner will still take place next month having already been put back once. The league postponed the initial event, scheduled for November 10, to February 9 while the investigation was ongoing.

The allegations emerged in early September when a protest was put in to the league, believed to be from Lowerhouse, concerning Clitheroe wicketkeeper Kurt Robinson.

As a result the league opened an investigation into whether there had been any wrongdoing by the Chatburn Road club who subsequently won the title in their first season in the competition having switched from the Ribblesdale League last winter.

But the league trophy has not been officially presented while the investigation is ongoing and it remains to be seen what sanction would be handed to Clitheroe if it is found that the club have breached the rules, although it is understood a penalty could range from a points deduction to expulsion.