Beckett Football League division two champions York RI thirds have resigned from the competition over their poor discplinary record.

The club's committee was unable to get assurances from the players that they would improve their conduct, so have decided not to run a third team in next year's league.

League secretary Keith Sales describe the team's disciplinary record since Christmas as "shocking" and confirmed it was which was the poorest in the competition.

RI thirds hit the headlines in February when their match with Ampleforth had to be abandoned after an attack on the referee by midfielder Paul Innes, who has since been banned for a minimum of five years.

Three other RI players were sent off in that match.

In other changes announced at the League's annual general meeting, Pickering Town Reserves have also withdrawn to go into the Northern Counties East League's reserve section.

The Beckett League will again operate two divisions next season with 10 teams in each and will kick-off on the second Saturday in September.

However, there is a possibility of a new Terrington team joining the second division.

They would be made up of some of last season's Pickering Reserves players plus new players who should contact Bridget Richardson on 01904 431685.

The newcomers have yet to finalise a home base and have been given until July 12 to agree their status.

Keith Sales was able to reveal to the meeting accurate disciplinary figures for the first time, courtesy of the North riding and East Riding County FAs.

In last season's league and cup games, a total off 166 players had been cautioned, 41 sent off and eight other disciplinary cases reported.

Fair play awards were also announced at the meeting.

The winners of the Gazette and Herald shield for sportsmanship in the first division were Thornton-le-dale. Pickering Town were second with Aislaby United and Black swan, Pickering sharing third place.

The second division award was won by Old Red House, Thirsk, followed by Westlers United and Union Rovers.

The John Lambert Trophy was shared by Old Red House and Westlers United as both sides had only two players cautioned all season.

Officials elected for the coming season were R Pettitt (president), A Harrison (chairman), R Humpleby (vice-chairman), K Sales (secretary), Bob Pettitt (treasurer), B Fletcher (assistant secretary), E Atkinson (auditor) with the management committee consisting of M Beal, J Blacklock, B Featherstone, M Fenwick, M Hodgson, M Lofthouse, W Marshall and A Pinchon.

Cueball FC of York Sunday Afternoon League need new players. Training starts on Sunday (July 9). Contact Jamie on York (01904) 636832, or Trev on York 621430.

Training for York Railway Institute Football Club starts tonight, at the club's New Lane headquarters, starting at 7.30pm, and every Monday and Thursday thereafter. Old and new players are welcome.

Brian Wilkinson, the former Dringhouses manager, will work alongside John Raynor in managing the first team, which plays in the West Yorkshire League premier division, this season.

The club's second team will play in the WYL's Alliance Premier.

West Yorkshire League club Sherburn White Rose return to training next Tuesday, July 11 at Finkle Hill Recreation Ground, Sherburn (6.30pm).

New players welcome and for further information contact either Nick Jackson on 01977 680759 or John Storey 01757 228887

Hamilton Panthers FC begin pre-season training for their open age players on Tuesday, July 25 at the Little Knavesmire, starting at 6.30pm.

New manager Gavin Pickard will be looking to reunite with existing players and will welcome any newcomers. For details contact Gavin on 01904 330568.

The York Corporate Five-a-side League is looking for one more team to fill a single vacancy remaining for the forthcoming summer season.

Matches, held on Tuesday evenings between 7pm and 10pm, take place at Lowfields School, York. Anyone interested should contact Ian St John on 0113 2166141.