Copdock & Old Ipswichian have been awarded a 25-point victory from their away match at Horsford, which was initially abandoned as a draw due to a “dangerous” pitch a fortnight ago.

As a result, Copdock have moved from sixth up to fifth in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League table, although the main effect will be felt at the other end of the table, due to Horsford’s points deduction.

Bury St Edmunds, with just one win all season, remain bottom of the table and in serious danger of suffering relegation, but Horsford’s plight might still work in their favour.

Following an investigation, the EAPL ground disciplinary sub-committee held a special meeting last week, and have since imposed a 90 match points deduction on the Norfolk club, 60 of these points suspended until the end of the 2019 season.

Horsford had been in 10th spot, 57 points clear of Bury St Edmunds, but that gap has been cut to just 20 by the 30 points deduction (and the loss of the original seven points for a draw), with Horsford slipping to second from bottom – only one team will be relegated.

The official statement from the EAPL subcomittee confirmed: ‘Horsford CC are to be deducted 90 match points with 60 suspended until the end of the 2019 season. This will not be implemented if no further umpires’ reports of unsatisfactory pitches are received. In addition, Horsford CC are to pay a fine of £250.’

Copdock & OI captain Tom Rash, the Suffolk all-rounder, had always insisted that his side should be awarded the 25-points victory, after initially both sides were awarded seven points for an abandoned draw.

Only seven overs of the match were allowed, before the umpires abandoned the fixture due to the dangerous state of the pitch.

Rash explained: “We only managed seven overs, and I bowled four of them.

“Horsford were 12 for two, and I had taken both of the wickets, though ironically my two wickets came from deliveries which did not misbehave. Most of the others did misbehave.

“The ball was flying over the batsman’s head, and I hit him on a couple of occasions. I felt that a batsman might get hurt playing on this pitch, which I hadn’t ever felt before, and I am not even the quickest of bowlers.

“It was totally the right decision to call off the match, as someone could really have got hurt.

“We felt all along that we should be awarded the match, and receive 25 points for a win, because we felt that we had been denied a good chance of obtaining a victory.”