wrist following their much-publicised fight seven months ago.

The two athletes traded blows in Somerset after the Colonial Insurance End to End Relay race on May 16 last year.

And it is understood the disciplinary committee of the Bermuda Track and Field Association has severely reprimanded both men and put them on probation for a period of 18 months.

BTFA president Philip Guishard refused this week to reveal the outcome of a hearing into the incident, but he did confirm that the matter had been dealt with.

He said the Association "required a few more days'' before making any official release in order that the parties could be notified by letter.

It is believed, however, that the BTFA had some difficulty in accepting the findings of the committee based on the position of Edness who was not a paid-up member of the BTFA.

But after a meeting last Monday night a decision was made in principle to endorse the report.

The BTFA have been severely criticised and faulted by many runners for not settling the matter earlier.

The incident was televised by ZBM on several occasions and because of the media exposure it received, the BTFA had originally hoped to settle the matter quickly -- perhaps aware of the criticism they received over the delay in settling a previous disciplinary matter involving track athlete Nick-Cole DeSilva, who was accused of assaulting executive member Stanley Douglas with a starting block.

Edness and Forgesson had both been spectators during the St. George's to Somerset relay race and their eventual clash followed alleged remarks made by Edness to Forgesson's wife, Anna Eatherley, who was competing in the event.

Edness had been previously criticised by road runners for his unsporting gestures and comments during other events.

But he claimed in a TV interview that Forgesson had instigated their scuffle.

Edness had previously been warned in writing by the BTFA for his "aggressive behaviour''.

Top runner Kavin Smith will head a strong Bermuda national cross-country men's team in their quest for honours at the CAC Regional Championships in Nassau on February 12. The remaining members are Tracy Wright, Vernon Tankard, Kevin Tucker and Jamal Hart.

Anna Eatherley will be favourite to lead home a women's team which includes Donna Watson, Jennifer Fisher and Julia Hawley.

A Bermuda representative team will participate in a "People's Race'' that will precede the main event. The men's team includes Jeremy Ball, Harry Patchett, Tyler Hall and Brett Forgesson, while the two-member women's team is made up of Jane Christie and Penny Butterfield. PHOTO BRETT FORGESSON -- The runner, shown here during last month's International Race Weekend, was given a slap on the wrist by the BTFA for his much-publicised fight with Paul Edness seven months ago.