Horsford have been expelled from the Biss Trophy's plate competition after playing seven unregistered players in their recent victory over Beccles.The club were given permission to play both the 'Rose Bowl' tie and their home Carter Cup match against Sprowston at Manor Park on June 1, providing they “mixed and matched”, in the words of competition organiser Paul Ingram, the two teams to ensure they did not devalue the former competition.

Horsford have been expelled from the Biss Trophy's plate competition after playing seven unregistered players in their recent victory over Beccles.

The club were given permission to play both the 'Rose Bowl' tie and their home Carter Cup match against Sprowston at Manor Park on June 1, providing they “mixed and matched”, in the words of competition organiser Paul Ingram, the two teams to ensure they did not devalue the former competition.

“The assurance given that they would not simply put out a second eleven against Beccles was not met,” said Ingram. “They put out a virtual third eleven, which included seven players who were not registered to play in this competition. On these grounds the committee has chosen to expel them and replace them in the semi-finals with Beccles.”

Horsford chairman David Browne confirmed the club had not ruled out launching an appeal. “We are shocked by the recommendation of the committee and very, very surprised. We will be considering what we want to do in due course but everybody should be assured there is a case to be heard and we will respond.”

Beccles, who lost by five runs, will now visit Brooke in the semis on June 29 while Fakenham host Cromer.