Feeling split on limited overs replay ruling

Feeling split on limited overs replay ruling

Jermaine Lannaman

MELBOURNE CC and St Thomas CA are expressing contrasting views on the recent ruling by the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Appeals Panel as it relates to their JCA 50-Overs Tournament opening round clash at Melbourne Oval.

The Appeals Panel has ruled that the match be replayed on the grounds that home team Melbourne used a blue sight screen instead of black, as per tournament rules.

However, St Thomas, who lost the match by seven wickets, believes that rather than a replay, the game should have been awarded to them.

"It was a comprise ruling," said St Thomas manager, Keith Campbell, whose institution brought the matter to the Appeals Panel.

"If you are to go stick by the rule, which states that black sight should be used, then the points should have been awarded to St Thomas."

Melbourne, however, who have agreed to abide by the ruling of the Appeals Panel, believes that though they were at fault, the matter could have been dealt with differently, given that the JCA Competitions and Complaints Committee had originally ruled that the result should stand.

"We are disappointed with the ruling because it is not in the best interest of cricket," said Neil Reece, secretary of Melbourne.

The game will be replayed with the replayed match-up is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:30 am with Melbourne having to pay for St Thomas travelling expenses for the game.

The winner will join Kingston as qualifiers from Zone D for the quarterfinals, and, will play away to St Elizabeth next weekend.

The other quarterfinal match-ups will see St Ann hosting St Catherine CC, St James travelling to St Catherine CA, and Kingston playing University of the West Indies at Sabina Park.