ATHERLEY have escaped punishment after their team's walk-out from the over-60s' two-wood triples during the county finals last month.

Hampshire have said they will not in future arrange their finals to clash with nationals week at Melton Mowbray.

A written apology from Atherley skip Ray Wilkinson has been accepted by the Hampshire executive.

"Atherley were under the impression that if they didn't play they would not get the runners-up medals but that was not the case. What they did was more through a misunderstanding than a malicious act," said David Spence.

One of Spence's final duties as president was to stand alongside Keith Brown (Havant), Russell Gadd, Neil O'Donovan (both Palmerston) and Trevor Bailey (Havant) who won the Home Counties League fours title for Hampshire at Newbury.

Alan Doughty (East Dorset) took over as president while Mike Weatherill (Havant) steps up to senior deputy. Junior deputy is former Southampton and District BA outdoor president Bob Kirton (Banister Park).

Other officers:

Secretary: Alan Turvey (Loddon Vale); treasurer: Doug Grist (Victory); match secretary: Don Tilbury (Havant); assistant match secretary: Ernie Scase (Riverside); competition secretary: Alan Perkins (East Dorset); patrons' secretary: Bryant Middlecote (New Milton); tour secretary: Bernard James (Havant).