Greece's costly slip up

A SECOND major issue has rocked the European Cricket Council Division Two Championship. After the protests in Glasgow over the weekend surrounding Israel's participation in the competition that led to their matches been played 190 miles away at a high security military base, two of Greece's players have been found to be ineligible to represent the country.

The duo, Michail Poussis and Paul Maraziotis, were immediately suspended until the end of the competition.

All Greece's points from the group stages were deducted as well, which saw them replace Guernsey at the bottom of Group One after they had been at the top and were strong contenders to go on and win the tournament.

Maraziotis was instrumental in Greece's nine-wicket victory over Guernsey on Sunday when he scored 34 not out to guide his side home.

'It came as a pretty nasty shock to the two players involved and to me and all the players,' said the Greek coach, Tim Dellor, who was not involved in squad selection.

'The management have unknowingly or unwittingly made an error and it's going to cost us dear. The team had been playing terrific cricket and that makes it all the more irritating.

'No one is doubting their Greek citizenship but the rules clearly state they needed to be in the country for a certain amount of time helping Greek cricket and that is where they have slipped up.'

Guernsey heard the news when they were on their coach and only a few miles from RAF Lossiemouth.

Technically they should have taken the five-hour trip back to Glasgow to play France in a play-off, as they had now finished third instead of fourth in the group.

But it was decided to carry on with the original match as the logistical problems were too great.

Instead Greece played France and after their match was abandoned due to rain, it was awarded to the French as they had a higher net run rate.

As a result, Greece were due to take on Israel today to decide who goes down to the bottom league, but they decided not to travel to RAF Lossiemouth.

'The game is awarded to Israel, who now finish seventh and Greece have finished eighth and therefore have been relegated to Division Three,' said tournament organiser Richard Holdsworth.

'I'm disappointed for Israel as they have not been able to play their last game after everything that has gone on in this tournament.

'I'm disappointed for Greece but I would strongly advise that the ICC rules on eligibility are very clear and that all member countries must abide by the those rules or the ramifications are serious.'

Guernsey avoided a relegation battle after they beat Israel by five wickets. The greens face France at Clydesdale Cricket Club today for the fifth place and, after a poor run with the bat, Jeremy Frith has been dropped for the clash.

Jersey are looking towards possible promotion to Division One as they feature in today's final at Glasgow Academicals, after they took care of Germany by six wickets yesterday.

The final was briefly in danger of not taking place when their opponents, Norway, were themselves were under investigation for having ineligible player but they were cleared by the ECC in the early hours of this morning.