BISHOP of Hereford's Bluecoat School head of physical education Steve Bradley has blasted Flint & Cook Marches League clubs after his school side was effectively excluded from the 2007 league campaign.

Clubs at last week's league annual meeting resolved that if school sides wished to compete in the league then they would have to complete a full season. In 2006 they were allowed to halt their programme at the end of the school term.

But there may be a reprieve for the sides after league secretary Derrick Jones revealed that the matter would be discussed at the next committee meeting on December 11.

"It's bureaucracy gone mad," said Bradley. "All we are trying to do is provide cricket for youngsters in an adult league in the hope that when they leave school they will want to carry on playing.

"The clubs have brought in a rule to stop people playing. It's crazy.

"We are going to Barbados on a cricket tour for three weeks next August so it would not be possible to fulfil league games then, anyway. We cannot be in two places at once."

Bradley said that he was surprised that the clubs, who had voted to allow a shorter season for the two school sides - Bishop's and Minster Dales - at the previous annual meeting should have changed their minds after only 12 months.

He understood that some clubs were now wondering how they would get a full programme of fixtures with only five teams remaining from those who constituted Division 5 in the season just completed.

"We are absolutely flabbergasted by it all," said Nigel Maddock from the Minster College.

"Division 5 is a development division. It is hardly top class cricket but it was good for our kids and for the clubs.

"We have worked hard to bring players on and we are amazed that this decision was taken without consultation or discussion.

"Although we are unable to fulfil fixtures in July and August we do take part in the indoor league, we have our nets ready and we have established a strong link with the Dales club."

Derrick Jones added: "The executive committee have the ultimate decision over the make up of the divisions and it will have to be thrashed out on the night of December 11."