Cobo take it on the chin

ONE Cobo player has been banned and another given a suspended ban following the GCA's disciplinary hearing into the CI Club Championship semi-final with Optimists. Mark Culverwell is ineligible to play again before 1 June after being given a 42-day suspension, to begin at the start of next season, for three separate level two offences.

As well as being found guilty of two charges of showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision, the fast bowler was reprimanded for 'using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player'. That charge related to the aftermath of a collision between him and Jamie Chambers.

However, Culverwell has been cleared of any charges relating to a level four offence.

The player and his club categorically denied that a kick at the ground in frustration after the collision with Chambers was aimed at the Optimists batsman.

The disciplinary panel upheld that view and dismissed the charge, absolving Culverwell of any suggestion of violent play.

His Cobo teammate Robbie Moore was also found guilty of using obscene, offensive or seriously insulting language towards another player after he was dismissed by Steve Queripel during the game.

He was also reprimanded for the lesser offence of showing dissent at an umpire's decision. He has been given a ban of 14 days suspended for one-year.

Optimists bowler Queripel has received a level one warning for pointing towards the pavilion following the dismissal of Moore.

Cobo as a club have been given a suspended 20-point deduction and £150 fine, which will hang over them next season.

'Cobo would like to thank the GCA for conducting a fair hearing and we respect their decisions,' said club secretary Matt Oliver.

'The players involved accept the punishments that have been handed out.

'The club regrets what happened during what was a heated semi-final of a major competition. We would like to apologise to the GCA, Optimists and everyone else involved.'

GCA president and acting disciplinary officer Mark Latter revealed that the penalties levied in some part acknowledged the full and co-operative participation of the clubs and players in the process and the action already taken by the clubs.

He added that a line had now been drawn under the events of the semi-final but a repeat would not be tolerated.

'The GCA disciplinary committee, on behalf of the full GCA committee, would wish to remind clubs, captains, players and officials of their ongoing responsibilities to adhere to the code of conduct and in doing so ensure that the game of cricket in Guernsey is played in an appropriate manner,' he said.

'The GCA is committed to working with GACUS to ensure the highest standards of behaviour on the cricket field and any breaches of the code of conduct will be encouraged to be reported and then acted upon by the GCA.

'The GCA would encourage the self-management of on-field discipline with the captains responsible for this where appropriate, working with the umpires of the day to ensure a competitive but fair atmosphere for the game to be played in.'