Devon Cricket Board - Statement by the Devon Cricket League

Statement by the Devon Cricket League

Statement by the Devon Cricket League on the 2015 C Division Play-Off match

When the Executive Management Committee (EMC) of the League became aware of an irregularity possibly having taken place in the play-off match between Uplyme and Lyme Regis CC and Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC an investigation revealed that the Uplyme player, John Whetlor, had not played for the club in 2014 or 2015 thereby making him ineligible to play.

To their credit, Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC did not make an official complaint.

Although the EMC had originally, and mistakenly, given clearance for John Whetlor to play it was forced to rule the match 'null and void' with both clubs playing in the 1st X1 'C' Division next season. Furthermore, it was decided that Braunton CC would not be relegated from the 1st X1 'B' Division.

At the request of Uplyme, and following a subsequent review by an Appeals Panel, of all the available evidence, the EMC decisions were upheld. However, the Appeals Panel were critical of the lack of clarity available to the clubs on player qualifications for play off matches although it understood that at the Chairman's meeting in July the regulations for such games was made known.

The EMC sympathizes with Uplyme for the error made initially and, in particular, with all the club players that made for a magnificent season and wish them success in 2016'.

Edward Leverton - Secretary

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773