Wellington will make 'strong' cricket protest

Press, 27 January 1986, Page 8

Wellington will make 'strong' cricket protest

PA Wellington The Wellington Cricket Association will make a strong protest to the New Zealand Cricket Council today over a sudden rule change in the Shell Trophy series.

The six teams in the competition, at present involved in the fifth round, were verbally advised on Saturday that the penalty of 10 points for average over rates of less that 18 per hour was to be waived.

It came as a shock to Wellington, second in the competition behind Otago. WeUington’s over rate is hovering near 18 but Otago’s is nearer 16 and it was possible that Otago could win the series but be denied the title by losing 20 points for its over rate.

The chairman of the W.C.A., Earle Cooper, said a protest would be lodged in writing today. “Disappointment will be expressed that the playing conditions are being changed part way through the competition,” he said. “Following a meeting at the start of this

season, the' New Zealand Council was told that 18 overs per hour were too many. , “However, the Wellington association accepted their ruling and played accordingly. We have proved 18 overs per hour is possible, with proper management

“We will ask the board to reconsider its decision and revert to the published play-: ing conditions before the start of the next round. We are not arguing with the conditions as originally set down, only that a change now would mean Otago are playing the game their way round and we ours.”

Otago’s team manager, Horace McAuley, said teams were being asked to play a “Mickey Mouse” brand of cricket i

“Having changed the rule midstream, they have created a dangerous precedent” he said. . . .

“We were never told that the figure for Trophy matches this season was 18 anyway so we presumed it was 17, the same as last year.”