DDCA: Turf 1 powerhouse Buckley Ridges is battling a points breach

A Dandenong District juggernaut is fighting a points breach that has resulted in it sliding from second to sixth. Here’s what we know.

DDCA cricket: Buckley Ridges v Springvale South. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Buckley Ridges is immersed in a battle with the Dandenong District Cricket Association after being stripped of two wins from earlier in the season.

The Bucks have been docked full match points (12 in total) from their 134-run win over North Dandenong in round 4 and one-wicket victory over Narre South in round 5.

The dispute surrounds Sanka Dinesh who bowled a total of 12 overs over the course of both matches.

Buckley Ridges is arguing that Dinesh is an overseas student who – under league rules – classifies a one point player.

“A non-resident player (or has a spouse) who is the holder of a student visa issues by the Dept. of Home Affairs or a recognised undergraduate course (Australian Qualification Framework Level 5 and above), which commences prior/during the current season,” the law reads.

However the Bucks have been told Dinesh’s diploma does not reach the requirement to be recognised as a student player.

Buckley Ridges players gather after a wicket. Picture: Valeriu Campan

If he is not to be deemed a student, the Bucks feel Dinesh should have had his original four-point price reduced under the competition’s loyalty provision.

The loyalty provision states: “All players, except overseas and first class overseas players, shall have their allocation reduced by one point following the completion of two seasons at their club. Players of type two and three, except overseas and first class overseas players, shall then reduce their points allocation by one point per season until they reach one point status.

“Overseas and first class overseas players shall have their allocation by one point following the completion of four seasons at their club. There shall be no reduction of points.”

The 12-point reduction crashes the Bucks from second to sixth.

Buckley Ridges is set to take the reprimand to the independent tribunal.

Club president Sonny De Silva has been sought after for comment.

DDCA president Hilary Wijeratne declined to comment.