GRASSMERE Cricket Association has opted against awarding an A grade one-day final winner after both its grand finalists were found guilty of breaching rules.
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The association’s tribunal met on Friday night and unanimously voted the one-day grand final between Panmure Bulldogs and Killarney “null and void”.
Panmure Bulldogs were under investigation for fielding two ineligible players in the decider, which they went on to win by five wickets at Purnim Recreation Reserve on Sunday last week.
According to GCA rules, players must have played three matches in any grade to qualify for the one-day grand final.
Of the two Bulldog players in question, Simon Bourke was found to have played three matches, while Simon Schrama was deemed ineligible.
The Crabs were found in breech of an MCC Laws of Cricket rule regarding substitutes leaving the field.
Killarney had named 12 players and two substitutes — Brendan McMahon and Damian McMahon.
In a statement, GCA president James Sinnott said the findings meant there was no result.
“The GCA one-day prizemoney will be held with the GCA, therefore no winner is recorded for season 2012-2013,” he said.
The decision leaves GCA without an entrant for the Twenty20 Cup in January.
The regional tournament includes $15,000 prizemoney for the winning side.
“The Sungold Twenty20 nomination will now be appointed by the members of the GCA board of management who are not affiliated with Panmure or Killarney cricket clubs in early January,” Sinnott said.
“All clubs are on notice to follow the rules.
“The GCA will not tolerate any further breaches during the home-and-away rounds and finals series.”
