Tigers accept GCA penalty

THE Torquay Tigers Cricket Club is “reluctantly” accepting a penalty from the Geelong Cricket Association for breaching the points cap in four games, but argues that it was “never looking to avoid any sanction but rather be afforded a fair and clear process in the determination of any sanction”.

According to a lengthy statement issued by Torquay acting president Rob Dunne last week, the dispute between the GCA2 side and the local governing body for the sport began before Christmas, when the association “notified the Club there were
now ‘anomalies’ with the points table submitted at the beginning of the season”.

This began several meetings and exchanges of correspondence between Torquay and the GCA and recently ended with the GCA ruling that the matches Torquay’s first XI played in rounds 2, 3, 6 and 7 would be declared draws, with the competing clubs to share points.

Torquay has decided not to appeal the penalty, but in his statement, Mr Dunne criticised the GCA over several issues.

He said both his club and the GCA “were under the mistaken impression” the points table submitted by the Tigers before the 2018/19 season was “completely accurate”.

“It is vitally important to note; that at no stage has the Club misled the Association (deliberately or otherwise) and this has been confirmed by the Association.

“In addition to the lack of any fair dispute, hearing and appeal processes in the Association’s non- Constitution governance documents, we, along with many other member clubs believe the player points system is flawed. It is complicated, imprecise and inconsistent in its operation, and there is a lack of transparency.

“The Association and its member clubs should not be required to wade through years of (sometimes inaccurate) player history in order to make a points calculation every season.”

Mr Dunne said Torquay had grounds to be confident to have the GCA’s decision ruled invalid, but the Tigers were aware of the drawn-out nature of the dispute.

“In light of this, the Club has made the decision to reluctantly accept the Association’s sanctions, and calls on its members, supporters and sponsors to get behind our 1st XI side and its on field performances for the remainder of this season.”