Prolific Warwick batsman Dion Stovell has been slapped with a four-month suspension by the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) for allegedly bringing the game into disrepute while representing the Island earlier this summer in the Caribbean. learned yesterday that a BCB disciplinary committee dealt sternly with the gifted stroke-player during a disciplinary hearing held last month for hesitating to leave the crease after being given out by the umpire during this summer?s West Indies Cricket Board Under 19 Tournament held in Jamaica in July.

Stovell, who is set to join neighbouring club Southampton Rangers at the start of next season, won?t be eligible to suit up for his new club until after August 5, 2005.

While Stovell has reportedly appealed against the Board?s ruling, it still remains unclear whether any appeal had been lodged by officials at Warwick or by the player himself.

Due to the fact Stovell has yet to be officially released by Warwick, Southampton cannot act on behalf of the player, according to a senior ranking Board executive.

Over the years the talented all-rounder, who also plays as a striker for Premier Division club Somerset Trojans, has shouldered much of the scoring duties for Warwick and only this past season played a vital role in the First Division club?s shock Western Counties final triumph over Southampton at Southampton Oval.

?Dion (Stovell) appeared before the disciplinary committee for actions which occurred in Jamaica,? confirmed chairman for the Board?s disciplinary committee Gary Fray, who is also the president at Warwick Workmans Club.

?But I really don?t want to say anything at the moment until I confirm whether an appeal has been made or not. I did hear through the grapevine that an appeal was going to be launched with the cricket board. But at this point in time I don?t actually know if that has been done or not.

?But if an appeal has been made then I?d rather not say anything because it might be detrimental to the player?s appeal one way or the other.?

Fray also confirmed that only Warwick and not Southampton can act on behalf of Stovell at any further hearings concerning the matter.

?Rangers can?t act on his behalf because he (Stovell) is not registered with them,? he said. ?And so anything at all it would have to be Warwick. . . and I am the president of Warwick ? though at the end of the day I don?t have anything to do with appeals.?

In the case the player does appeal but the Board?s initial ruling is still upheld, then any chances Stovell might have had of accompanying Bermuda to next July?s ICC Trophy competition in Ireland will be effectively dashed.

Meanwhile, on a much brighter note, Stovell returned to Trojans? line-up during the West End club?s 2-0 home win over Southampton Rangers nearly two-weeks ago.

The gifted all-rounder suffered an injury during Trojans season-opening loss to Somerset Eagles on October 3.