A RUGBY Football Union Disciplinary Hearing at the Stoke-on-Trent Holiday Inn tonight (February 22, 2011) ruled on two cases involving Staffordshire clubs Bloxwich RFC and Cannock RFC, who were both charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or Game contrary to Rule 5.12 of the Rules of the RFU following the abandonment of their game in January 29, 2011.

It was alleged that players and spectators from Bloxwich were involved in a mass brawl which caused the referee to abandon the Midlands Four West (North) match, while it was alleged that players from Cannock were also involved.

The hearing ruled that Bloxwich should be deducted a total of 35 league points, 15 points to be deducted immediately and a 20 point deduction suspended until the end of the 2011/12 season.

Cannock were deducted a total of 25 points, 10 points to be deducted immediately and 15 points to be suspended until the end of the 2011/12 season.

Both clubs were severely reprimanded and warned as to their future conduct.

The hearing also ruled on the following individual cases which stemmed from the abandoned game on January 29, 2011:

Adam Bowater of Bloxwich was suspended for eight weeks for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or Game contrary to Rule 5.12 of the RFU in that he was found guilty of striking contrary to Law 10 (4)(a). He can play again on March 27, 2011

Martin McLean of Bloxwich was suspended for 10 weeks for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or Game contrary to Rule 5.12 of the RFU in that he was found guilty of striking contrary to Law 10 (4)(a). He can play again on April 10, 2011.

Richard Geary of Bloxwich was suspended for 11 weeks for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or Game contrary to Rule 5.12 of the RFU in that he was found guilty of striking contrary to Law 10 (4)(a). He can play again on April 17, 2011.

Lyndon Woodward of Cannock was suspended for eight weeks for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or Game contrary to Rule 5.12 of the RFU in that he was found guilty of striking contrary to Law 10 (4)(a). He can play again on March 31, 2011.

Gaz Evans of Cannock was suspended for six weeks for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or Game contrary to Rule 5.12 of the RFU in that he was found guilty of striking contrary to Law 10 (4)(a). He can play again on March 17, 2011.

The panel comprised Mike Hamlin (chairman), Peter Rhodes and John Brennan.