Proposal to scrap the traditional tea is thrown out by Hampshire Cricket League clubs

That was after two clubs tried unsuccessfully to get teas scrapped at the league’s virtual annual meeting and make players responsible for bringing their own food to games.

The proposal put forward by Fair Oak and Trojans had needed 51 per cent of the vote to change the long-standing rule that requires home clubs to provide tea-time refreshments for themselves, their visitors and match officials.

Across the county border, the Sussex Cricket League hit the national headlines last December when the league decided to scrap the provision of teas.

But a U-turn Boris Johnson would have been proud of was staged after a fresh vote overturned the decision.

Of the 209 votes, a majority of 114 were cast in favour of the motion, with 82 against. Six abstained and there was seven no votes

The outcome of the original vote held at the league's Annual General Meeting had led to a re-vote, which was conducted by email.

Part of the uproar was caused by the mechanics of the ballot, with those not in attendance at the AGM deemed to have voted in agreement.

The first vote saw 114 clubs vote for the removal of tea provision, with 89 against.