Overseas players will be able to play in the Hampshire Cricket League's county divisions next season.

A proposal to ban them, backed by the league's committee, was rejected by a majority of 30 clubs last week at the league's annual meeting.

Last year, a similar proposal came within three votes of gaining the required two-thirds majority. But this time 79 clubs voted against it, leaving the proposal almost 40 clubs short of success.

Fareham & Crofton's Bob Marchant, who presented the proposed ban, which was backed by the league committee, commented: "I'm surprised that so many clubs voted against the change.

"Maybe they've had enough of the argument. Not enough spoke in favour of the ban and it was a bit one-sided."

Marchant had told the meeting that the HCL is a recreational league.

"We play in divisions so that people can play against players of a similar standard, not so that Saturday afternoons can be ruined by one player.

"These players are taking up positions that could be taken by youngsters or 20 to 25-year-olds who should be getting the chance to bat higher up the order.

"The money spent on overseas players could be better spent on improving facilities. It's all very well getting hired help to win you promotion, but if the ground is not up to the required standard what's the point?"

But Fair Oak spokesman, David Ember, defended the efforts of South African all rounder Morne van Rooyen, who scored 430 runs and took 24 wickets last season as they won the County Division 1 title.

"We had a very good young side of English players who all played a part and benefited from having the overseas player's input.

"He provided excellent coaching for our thriving colts section and as an ambassador for the club when going to coach at local schools.

"He also put in countless hours getting our ground up to Southern League standard."

Van Rooyen has now settled in this area and is playing rugby for Winchester this winter.