It was the "spineless" act of gamesmanship that was predictably branded simply not cricket, and now the village cricket team responsible has been punished for it.

Carew Cricket Club, who caused a row over fair play when an early declaration saw them win a league title, have been relegated by the burghers of their league.

Carew declared at 18-1 during their Pembroke County Cricket Club Division One title-decider with second-placed Cresselly.

They had worked out they could lose the match but still claim the championship if they denied their opponents any batting or bowling bonus points.

Carew said it was deciding whether to appeal the sanction which means their first team has been demoted to division two, while their second team was also automatically relegated to division three.

The club's victory over Cresselly on August 26 prompted outrage on Twitter, including from Piers Morgan who tweeted: "Congratulations @CarewCC - you spineless, cowardly bunch of pathetic numpties."