Weekend Championship match a 'no result'

After a Guernsey Cricket Board investigation into why the game became a T20 affair, the game has been declared ‘no result’, with each side taking a point.

Griffins improved their net run-rate with the quick win – achieved in just 9.4 overs – but as some observers suspected at the time, the competition regulations simply do not allow for a T20 match replacing what should have been a 40-over match.

GCB chief executive Mark Latter said that evening on the morning of the game he had received a number of enquiries as to how the match format had been arrived at, a decision which clearly infuriated the College coach Tom Eisenhuth.

‘In short, a T20 match was played whereas a reduced overs game in accordance with GCB Competition Rules should have been the correct outcome.

‘The circumstances of the day have been investigated, and whilst the intention to “get a game on’’ can be sympathised with, the proper process was not followed.

‘This has the effect of skewing the outcome of the league whereby previous and future games have been/will be played to the Competition Playing Conditions.’

The GCB have also acted to deem the somewhat dubiously postponed College v. Cobo fixture as a ‘no result’.

On that matter, Latter said that game was, after a ‘solution’ provided to GCB by both sides, ultimately postponed to 15 July.

‘The moral in both episodes is that we have rules, we should all know them, and most importantly we should apply them. The outcome might not be what we desire, especially with the benefit of hindsight, but will be consistent and equitable.

‘So, having discussed within the GCB board the following decision has been reached: Both matches shall be recorded as a ‘no result’ and each team awarded one point each accordingly.’

Latter added: ‘All parties [including myself] are reminded of their responsibilities to both be beware of, understand and adhere to the current playing conditions for the relevant competition. These are posted on the GCB website and available upon request.’

Ultimately, the GCB verdict and its decision to not play the outstanding College-Cobo game leaves Griffins still in the title driving seat.

Griffins accept the GCB decision, says the club’s driving force Rob Thomson.

‘Whilst it’s obviously incredibly disappointing to have a win expunged from the records, the umpires have our sympathy with regard to the decision taken on the day,’ he said yesterday.

‘The “get the game on’’ approach was positively motivated, however evidently not within the competition rules.

‘There had been a significant amount of rain all morning and the radar was predicting another huge band of rain from mid afternoon onwards. Whilst there is the ability in the Channel Island League to make such a decision, there is not in the local Weekend Championship.

‘It is accepted that both sets of club officials should have known the decision was not within the umpire’s remit. On the basis of this, and bearing in mind the circumstances surrounding the College v. Cobo game, Griffins supports the GCB’s decision.’