WPCA announces findings of disciplinary enquiry

MEDIA RELEASE

TO HEAR complaints regarding incidents in a 1B match between Milnerton and Primrose on 18 November 2000.

Committee: Messrs E Harvey (Chair), M Bagus, Prof. C O'Connor

Findings of the Committee

Having given careful consideration to the views expressed at the Disciplinary Enquiry, acknowledging the umpires' prerogative noted in Clause 1.4 of the Rules of the Code of Conduct and especially guided by the Preamble to the Laws of Cricket dealing with the spirit of the game, the Committee regards the language and action of Mr A Meyer (Primrose C.C.) as the crucial initiating factor in the match being abandoned by the umpire. It notes the age and experience of Mr Meyer and as such believes he bears significant responsibility for the atmosphere during the game, requiring heavy sanctions. The Committee dismisses the submission that the abusive language was used and taken in good spirit or that this behaviour can in any form be condoned.

It is also the view of the Committee that the captain of Primrose Mr S Taliep did not take sufficient action or that he lacked experience in controlling the more experienced team members.

The Committee also dismisses the submission that the collision between the bowler I Hugo (Primrose C.C.) and opening batsman B Greenway (Milnerton C.C.) and subsequent collision between Messrs Hugo and A Ross (Milnerton C.C.) were without intent and pre-meditation and is of the view that Mr Hugo's conduct contributed to the tension on the field and the culminating fracas.

The Committee has taken cognisance of the apparent extreme provocation and deliberate intention on the part of I Hugo to "barge" A Ross while undertaking a second run but in keeping with the Rules of the Code of Behaviour does not condone any physical or threatened physical action by any player. The Committee also notes that this incident culminated in the match being abandoned by the Umpire.

It is the view of the Committee that no further interest can be served in continuing the match.

It is the fervent hope of the Committee that each club will resolve to eradicate this behaviour and that it will take steps to ensure that particularly any future game between the two clubs, but also all games in future, be played in the spirit which the good game, our Province and Country deserves.

Decisions of the Committee

1. Match to be abandoned and, other than the points accrued to date, no further points for the match to be awarded.

2. A Meyer and A Ross to be suspended from playing any cricket under the auspices of the WP Cricket Association for the remainder of the 2000/2001 season (i.e. from 23 November 2000 to 30 April 2001).

3. I Hugo to be suspended from playing any cricket under the auspices of the WP Cricket Association from 23 November 2000 until Monday 12 February 2001.

4. Primrose to reconsider in the light of these events the appointment of S Taliep as Team Captain.

O A Langenegger Secretary - Disciplinary Committee