THREE New Milton players have been hit with suspensions by the Southern Premier League in the wake of last month’s derby with neighbours Bashley.

Skipper James Park, all-rounder James Haggaty and opening batsman Nick Park all received bans at a league disciplinary committee meeting.

Details of the suspensions were published on the league’s official website on Wednesday after the players had opted against lodging appeals.

James Park, who skippered New Milton to the Division One title last season, was given a three-match ban for “dissent and failing in his responsibility as captain”.

Haggaty was issued with a three-match ban – with one match suspended – for “inappropriate language toward an opponent”, while Nick Park picked up a one-match ban for “dissent”.

The punishments were handed down after the league disciplinary committee had studied reports from match umpires Geoff Prouton and Stuart MacTavish.

New Milton chairman Steve Taylor confirmed the club would not be commenting on the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, as did James Park and Nick Park.

James Park and Haggaty are understood to have served internal one-match bans – which count towards their respective punishments – when New Milton faced Hampshire Academy a fortnight ago.

The pair also sat out their Southern Premier T20 Cup defeat by Havant five days ago, meaning Haggaty has completed his suspension, while James Park will miss tomorrow’s visit to South Wilts (11.30am).

Nick Park was also stood down against Havant in the T20 Cup but will be available as New Milton bid to make it three league wins in succession when they meet the reigning champions.

New Milton suffered a four-wicket defeat at the hands of Bashley in an often-fractious first Premier Division meeting between the clubs on June 11.

A brief statement on the league’s official website read: “The committee wish to take this opportunity to thank all the umpires for their ongoing management of on-field issues, and to remind all players of their responsibility under the spirit of cricket and disciplinary code.”

Leaders Bashley are unchanged for the visit of St Cross, while Lymington include ex-Canford School batsman Jack Roberts for their clash against Alton at the Sports Ground (both 11.30am).

Bashley: Porter, Gates, S Ridley, Jacques, Bailiff, C Ridley, Digby, Watkins, Thomson, Neal, Nash.

Lymington: Beetham, Rogers, Hand, Lock, Grierson, Ellis, Roberts, Calcott, Blake, Metcalfe, Freeman.

Ben Bridgen misses Bournemouth's trip to Division One table-toppers Sarisbury Athletic with Matt Jones returning (1pm).

Lions: Miller, Matthews, Hurley, Park, Urankar, Bollom, Lombard, Jones, Clutterbuck, Pack, Warner.