Bees are waiting to hear from their lawyers before deciding whether to appeal against the two point-penalty imposed for fielding an unregistered player.
The RFU Championship Organising Committee decided that George Thomas had not been effectively registered to play for the club when he was selected against Doncaster Knights on February 17.
RFU Tournament and Competitions Director Terry Burwell said: We accepted that the breach was unintentional but it was nonetheless an offence. Registration is a fundamental part of our competitions structure and all clubs are aware of its importance. An error or mistake at this level cannot be accepted as an excuse.
The recommended starting point sanction is a minimum two points deduction. Having considered the issue we did not feel it relevant to impose the penalty for Stage One of the season but that a two point deduction from Stage Two was appropriate given the 30 points available from the six matches.
What is controversial about the decision, however, is the fact while the offence took place in the regular season, the sanction has been imposed for the all important play-offs that will decide their fate.
Which is why Bees have asked a barrister to advise them whether they have a basis on which to appeal the ruling. They have ten days to decide.
