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An unnamed cricketer that Piers Morgan branded "utterly pathetic" has been banned for nine games.

As previously reported, a Division Two match between Minehead Second XI v Purnell CC in a Division Two match ended in controversy on Saturday (August 4).

Minehead batsman Jay Darrell was on 98 not out and looking to gain his first ever league century.

With his team needing five more runs to win, a Purnell bowler decided to throw the ball over the boundary rope to concede four runs and one for a no-ball.

The action led to Minehead's victory by four wickets but left Darrell devastatingly short of his landmark ton.

The offending bowler, who has not been identified, has now been issued a ban according to the SomersetCricket League.

A statement reads: "The Somerset Cricket League has noted the details of an incident that occurred in the Division 2 match between Minehead 2nd XI v Purnell CC, played on 4th August 2018.

(Image: County Gazette/SWNS.com)

"The SCL Disciplinary Committee has reviewed the incident. The incident in its opinion brought the SCL and cricket in general into disrepute and contained behaviour that was against the spirit of the game.

"As a result of this review, a Purnell CC player has been banned for the next nine completed SCL matches.

"The SCL have been asked by Purnell CC to clarify that the player banned, is NOT Ronnie Casling, as has been incorrectly reported in a national newspaper."

There are four league matches left to play in the division this season so the player's punishment will roll over until next season in 2019.

Purnell CC added the cricketer involved with be disciplined directly.

A spokesman for Minehead said the club hold "no resentment" against the Paulton-based club and believe Purnells and Somerset Cricket League have dealt with the situation in the "best possible manner".

One player, Angus Marsh, described it as "the worst cricket moment of my life" and called it "embarrassing" on Twitter.

The controversial Good Morning Britain presenter replied with "Seriously? How utterly pathetic.

"Shame on you Purnell CC."

Former England cricketer, Rob Key, gave his thoughts while commentating on Nottinghamshire's T20 match against Worcestershire for Sky Sports.

He said: "How average is that? That is appalling."

The batsman involved, Jay Darelll, appeared sanguine, posting on social media: "Hell of game today shame the way it ended but oh well!"

Do you have a Minehead or West Somerset story you would like to share or to investigate? Get in touch: michael.taylor@reachplc.com or 01935 709742.

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