Two clubs have been expelled from the Dales Council League for poor disciplinary records.

Apperley Bridge and Leeds-based Hyde Park were thrown out at the league’s annual meeting at Pudsey Congs.

Hyde Park, whose disciplinary record has been poor since 2008, were given the boot by the league’s executive committee prior to the annual meeting.

They also recommended that Apperley Bridge be cast into the wilderness.

However, their demise – they have been on probation for two years since joining from the Bradford Central League – came at the hands of their fellow clubs, who voted 25-5 to expel them at the start of the annual meeting.

League treasurer David Smith, said afterwards: “We, as an executive committee, and the clubs had to act, otherwise we might not have a league in two years’ time.”

The league also decided that any players on the Hyde Park register for 2012 would not be allowed to play in the Dales Council League until the 2015 season.

The Dales Council Umpires’ Association were not happy either at incidents at matches over the past two seasons, and this may have influenced the outcomes.

Paul Whiteley, their delegate to league meetings, read out a statement which had been prepared beforehand.

He said: “The incident on July 7 at Rodley deeply damaged not only our league but it had a knock-on effect with the umpires.

“We now have at least three umpires that will not officiate at games that involve Apperley Bridge, Hyde Park or Halifax Direct.

“We also have two umpires that will not officiate at games that involve Hyde Park because of an incident that happened last year.

“That’s five umpires out of a total of 30. Umpires are there to officiate cricket games to see that the laws of cricket and league rules are adhered to, and also to see fair play.

“They are not there for derogatory and abusive remarks to be aimed at them. It is definitely not in the spirit of the game.

“We are hoping that this affair can be resolved and we can get back to playing cricket.”

However, on the flip side, Roundhay, made up of former players from Halifax Direct, New Wortley, Hawksworth and Gledhow, want to join the league.

League chairman Steve Raistrick said: “Their application is subject to them sharing with Halifax Direct at the Karmand Ground, and a decision on their acceptance will be left to the executive committee.

“They will be put on a year’s probation if accepted. As a league are looking forward to 2013 and a brighter future.”

If these changes go ahead, the league will have 33 teams and are likely to return to a three-division format.

Wibsey Park Chapel, who finished bottom of Division D, were unanimously re-elected.

Time limits have been brought in for cup matches in the Dales Council League.

A rule change, proposed by the Umpires’ Association limiting teams to 2hr 40min for a 40-overs innings was passed by 11-6 at the annual meeting.