Shropshire Star

Shropshire cricket bowler 'attacked'

A cricket match was abandoned after a batsman allegedly launched an attack on a young bowler after he was dismissed.

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The game between Church Stretton and Prees was halted following a "serious breach of discipline".

Church Stretton players left the pitch in protest, blaming the "ungentlemanly behaviour" of one of the opposition's players.

It is believed the batsman struck one of Church Stretton's younger bowlers.

The club has filed a complaint with the Shropshire Cricket League's disciplinary panel, chaired by Gordon Smith, as well as league secretary Brian Kitson, citing a Level 4 breach of discipline, which covers such offences as physical assault of another player, umpire, official or spectator, or any act of violence on the field of play.

Meanwhile Prees Cricket Club is holding its own investigation into what took place at Saturday's game, held at the club's home ground on Brades Road.

Church Stretton skipper Peter Lee said: "As a club, we are committed to gentlemanly behaviour and the best interests of all members and supporters – particularly our youth players whom we always seek to nurture in sport with respect and a keen sense of fair play.

"There were five teenagers in the Stretton side. I thought the Prees batsman overstepped the mark so I led the team off the field. I didn't feel we could carry on with the game.

"As a club we don't want to be seen to be not upholding the values of the game so I felt we had no option but to act as we did. The cricket board will deal with the matter, and I'm sure Prees will want to deal with it in their own way.

"It was only the actions of one individual so we can't hold Prees as a club responsible."

He said the league's disciplinary sub committee now had to meet within five days, with both Shropshire League Division Two clubs taking part in meetings.

On the day, Church Stretton had lost the toss and been asked to bat on a damp wicket, with Prees dismissing their opponents for 94.

With Prees then batting, it was in the fifth over of their innings when a batsman appeared to strike a bowler with his bat. The bowler was not hurt but the game was abandoned.

Speaking on behalf of Prees Cricket and Recreation Club, cricket secretary Peter Richards said: "Following the abandoned cricket game on Saturday we are holding are an internal investigation alongside discussions with Church Stretton Cricket Club.

"Subsequently a formal statement will be made to the league."

Brian Kitson, secretary of Shropshire Cricket League, said: "We are aware of the incident and we will be carrying out an investigation.

"A disciplinary hearing will be held in the next week or so to consider the incident."

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