This was apparent on Sunday when only five Eagle players showed up for their scheduled league match at White Hill against Wolves, which forced the home team to default the match.

The whereabouts of the remaining players on Sunday were unknown.

While club officials refused to comment on the matter yesterday, it is understood that swift disciplinary action against players involved in a skirmish during the FA Cup quarter-final against Devonshire Colts two weeks ago is the reason behind the decision of some players not to show up.

At least three players were involved in an incident with linesman Richard Knight at the end of the recent match against Colts, after substitute Kenny Basden was sent off for swearing at Knight.

Reports of the incident have been submitted by referee Frank Drayton and his two linesmen (Peter Sousa is the other) but no disciplinary hearing has yet been convened by the Bermuda Football Association.

Kenneth Simmons, president of Somerset Bridge Recreation Club, refused to comment on the matter yesterday, but a source closely connected to the team did admit that Sunday's no-show players were reacting to "recent suspensions that were handed out.'' Wolves' coach Jack Castle was baffled by the situation and hoped the BFA probe into the January 23 incident commences soon.

"We went to White Hill prepared to play, it's unfortunate that nothing happened,'' said Castle, whose team is chasing one of two promotion spots.

"Just five players showed up and only three really wanted to play,'' added the coach.

While Wolves are grateful for the two points, which keeps them in the thick of the promotion race, they were not able to improve on their goal difference which, however, still remains better than that of second-place BAA.

Unlike some sports, there are no goals awarded for defaulted wins, which ultimately could affect a team where goal difference in crucial at the end of the season.

BFA president Charlie Marshall yesterday considered the default as being serious and said that the association would be seeking an explanation from the Eagles.

He also assured that while no disciplinary action has been taken against Eagle players for the incident at Frog Lane, the matter is far from forgotten.

Marshall said that the association had been informed by the club that suspensions had been handed out to "four of five players and a team official'' because of their involvement in the Frog Lane incident. He was quick to applaud the club for taking swift action.

The Eagles were only putting themselves in more serious trouble by not playing on Sunday and their failure to do so again would probably lead to the club being disciplined by the association.

"They must fulfill their obligation in accordance to the rules and regulations of the association or disciplinary action could be taken,'' warned Marshall.

As far as the Frog Lane incident is concerned, Marshall revealed that a committee, headed by a director and executive member, has already been formed and that the usual process of dealing with incidents of this nature was well underway.