The ban – the result of the alleged playing of a player under suspension – was subsequently lifted pending the new hearing, which is due to take place on 14 July. This allowed Portobello to feature in the British Championships.

NWPL chairman Steve Monico told the NWPL AGM that Portobello’s situation left the league committee in a very awkward predicament regarding planning for the 2007 season.

“Normally, we would know the composition of our divisions by now and be in a position to immediately begin the detailed business of confirming fixtures, pools, referee appointments and other matters,” he explains.

“Much of that must now be put on hold because, with an appeal pending, we take the view it would be unreasonable to remove Portobello from our competition until the outcome is known.”

The annual meeting discussed the various divisional permutations that might occur in the event of Portobello losing their NWPL status. The committee will determine exactly what is to happen once the appeal is completed.

Delegates at the AGM expressed strong support for the idea of GB Juniors playing against top five Division One clubs in the 2007 season rather than repeating last year’s programme against the bottom five. This would support the continuing development of the team, which competed well in Canada recently and has a strong programme of international competition throughout this year.

At the AGM, trophies, medals and pennants were presented to the divisional champions – Lancaster, Otter, Sheffield and Otter 1869 – as well as the Peter Olson top goal scorer trophy, won by Scott Carpenter, of Lancaster.

Steve Monico was re-elected chairman. Other officers:

General secretary, Chris Ducker; match secretary, David Boot; treasurer, Mike Clark; officials’ co-ordinator, Jim Dalley; events co-ordinator, Dave Andrews.