It has been a quite a few days for Pembrokeshire cricket.

When Telegraph Sport posted an online comment on Carew's decision to declare against Cresselly on Saturday on just 18 for 1, and deny both sides the chance to compete properly in a title decider, it was bound to stir some local reaction.

But few would have envisaged what was the follow. The article itself had passed 30,000 unique user views by this afternoon (Thursday), and had not only been picked up by other local and national media sources, but international ones as well.

Only today, news websites in Australia and India were posting articles and views on the story, Telegraph Sport's Fraser Watson spoke about the matter on TalkSport radio, and Pembroke County Cricket Club secretary Steve Blowes also appeared on BBC Radio Wales to discuss what had happened.

And some high profile figures have weighed in on both sides of the debate.

Former Glamorgan cricketers Mark Wallace and Steve James have been amongst those to severely criticise the newly crowned champions, and Piers Morgan, never one to hold back on views, labelled Carew 'spineless'.

But to the contrary, highly respected BBC Sport Editor Dan Roan defended The Rooks, saying we were in a 'results business' and described their actions as 'professional'.

Paul Tyrrell, the Derby City Football Club Director of Communications who is also keenly involved in his own local cricket, said he would have done exactly what Carew did.

The club themselves have made no significant comment on the matter other than to say they will continue to 'stand together', but after numerous media requests, Cresselly Cricket Club released a dignified statement via their Facebook page on Monday.

They said they were 'very disappointed' at being denied the chance to play for the title, especially given many supporters had taken time off work to go the game.

They also clarified that at 'no point did any of our officials or captain say that Cresselly would have done the same had the positions been the other way around.'

The club added they had been asked if they thought the incident equated to match fixing, but said that was a matter for the Pembroke County Cricket Club to decide.

However, despite their disapproval, the club also made it clear they now wished to move on from what had happened.

The County Executive met last night (Wednesday) to discuss how to move forward, with proposals to prevent a similar situation happening again in the future said to have been high on the agenda.

Regardless, the debate appears set to continue for some considerable time.

Updated Telegraph Sport comment piece from Saturday:

FARCICAL, cowardly, embarrassing.

Whatever term best describes Carew Cricket Club’s decision to declare on 18 for 1 at Cresselly on Saturday afternoon, a move that ultimately secured them the Pembroke County Cricket Club Division One title, only the most stubborn and defiant of individuals can argue that their actions were justified.

Technically of course, they broke no rules. And like it or not, the authorities were powerless to prevent them from lifting the silverware and being crowned champions.

Indeed, personnel from within The Rooks themselves have publicly argued they had earned a 21 point lead heading into the final day, and therefore, were within their rights to do as they pleased.

But in reality, although they may be reluctant to admit it, even the most die-hard of Carew Club members will know the declaration was wrong on every level.

I get that they were determined to recapture a top flight title that has eluded them since 2012. I get that there is a little room for sentiment when your playing your'r fierce rivals in an end of season title decider. And I get that what happened was within the regulations.

And yet, I find what they did extremely difficult to fathom.

Every sport has a basic level of dignity and conduct to adhere to. What Carew did fell way below the line on both counts. It ridiculed an enticing contest, it spoilt a good hard fought title race, and whether they like it or not, it severely taints their achievement.

But the most ridiculous factor in all of this? They were odds on to be champions regardless.

And it was a title they would have fully deserved. They have been the most consistent side throughout the summer, and have formed a solid unit with several match winners and game changers. Having been put into bat at Cresselly, all they had to do was apply themselves in the same manner they have done all year in the 45 over format, and anything but a comprehensive hammering would have been enough.

Their cowardice in refusing to take a challenge that was tilted heavily in their favour is baffling.

This incident of course, has not passed into the night quietly. The County Executive have my sympathy, as what was billed to be a terrific final day with titles and relegation issues going to the wire in the top four divisions, was completely overshadowed.

And for all the inevitable discussion that has already arisen about rule changes and moral codes, there are some things you simply can’t legislate for.

I sympathise also with Cresselly. They may not have overhauled the 21 point deficit anyway, but the fact they were denied the right to compete properly will surely linger long in the memory.

It has been suggested in some quarters that Neilson Cole and co should take their share of the blame, for giving the home side the opportunity to act as they did by electing to bowl at the toss.

Whilst this argument may delve into a wider debate, that of the 'losing draw' that continues to plague local cricket, those claiming Cole's decision was the main factor in Saturday's debacle, are those simply not brave enough to confront the real issue at hand.

For the visitors to come back out and chase 19 to win, and they did so to finish 24 for 1, was an insult beyond reprieve.

Whether the home side's decision was a collective one I don’t know, but what Carew have done is ruined their own credibility, and already, they have been pilloried by many within local cricket circles.

And you know what?

They deserve everything they get.