Former Derbyshire player David Lovell alleged his contribution to Lamphey Cricket Club's success had led to "resentment rather than admiration" from other clubs in the Pembroke cricket league.

David Lovell: Appeal against ban

The High Court, sitting at Haverfordwest, heard that umpire David Morris had been told "in no uncertain terms where to go" by Mr Lovell in a match against Kilgetty last August.

Australian Mr Lovell, 32, admitted swearing and making offensive marks, but he is contesting the 18-week ban on the grounds the original disciplinary hearing last September was not fairly held.

On Tuesday, Lord Justice Neuberger said he had hoped that both parties would have tried to come to a settlement, even at this late stage.

We had hoped there could be an amicable settlement without having to go to court

John Green, secretary, Lamphey Cricket Club

Pembrokeshire County Cricket Club secretary William Marchant said the club had "integrity" and insisted the original hearing had been fair.

In February, he said, the club had offered a compromise - that Mr Lovell could appear before a disciplinary appeal panel of five members who he himself could choose.

Justice Neuberger said the club's offer had been reasonable.

But Mr Lovell argued such a hearing would have been conducted in the same climate as the original disciplinary meeting.

Mr Lovell aided Lamphey to two Pembrokeshire championships and the club has supported the appeal.

Wisden's 2001 records show Lovell's average of 199.6 runs per game last season was the highest of any cricketer in England and Wales.

Earlier, Lamphey club secretary John Green said: "David has been a loyal member of the club, a great bloke and a great cricketer."

Mr Green believes Mr Lovell's ban stems from envy among the other clubs in the league because of his scoring capacity.

'Fair hearing'

He claims the hearing by Pembroke CCC was contrary to their own guidelines and those of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

"All Dave has asked for is a fair hearing all along. We had hoped there could be an amicable settlement without having to go to court."

Mr Green added: "I've known him for years since he first came here to live.

"He has married a local girl, they have a young son and Dave wants to be part of Pembrokeshire cricket for many years to come."

The hearing continues.