Chester Road and Ifton hit for fixture delay

League bosses imposed the punishment on both sides for failing to rearrange their match, which had been due to be played on April 25 at Chester Road, in the required time.

That match was postponed because of a water-logged green and SPBL president Mike Hinton confirmed that the game had still yet to be played.

He said: "They knew the game had to be re-arranged and played within 28 days maximum and they didn't do that."

He added that both sides have been fined £50 as a result. Both teams say they intend to appeal the decision.

Ifton are currently third from bottom, but still have a 31-point buffer on the relegation zone – occupied by Bylet – after Friday's slender 8-6 home setback to runaway table-toppers Newport.

Both sides took six winners each but Bond admitted that two big single-figure wins for the visitors had proved decisive.

He said: "They had a couple of big cards. Pete Grimston beat me 21-9 and Scott Harries won to eight (against Megis Phillips) which made the difference."

Those were the only single-figure wins in a tight game which saw two games settled 21-18.

Newport claimed victory with a 216-199 aggregate, to leave them 26 points clear at the summit with six games left to play.

Ifton's best winner was Keiron Roberts, who defeated Newport skipper Dale Rudrum 21-13, earning praise from Bond.

Chester Road, currently 10th, also endured a disappointing night on the green as they went down 11-3 at second-placed Sir John Bayley.

Paul Reeves' 21-5 success over Dave Rogers was the hosts' biggest victory while Paul Latham was the visitors' best winner beating Del McKenzie's 21-13.

Meanwhile, third-placed Meole Brace lost 10-4 at Wem and fourth-placed Castlefields suffered a loss by the same margin at Wrockwardine Wood while Hadley, eighth, beat St Georges 9-5 at home.

Bowring, ninth, beat Burway 10-4 while rock-bottom Bylet remain 25 points from safety despite their 9-5 win at home to nearest rivals Archibald Worthington.

Kevin Brazier was the home side's best winner for his 21-9 victory over Les Markham while Greg Fordham was the visitor's best winner and MVP for his 21-8 win over Simon Madeley.