DDCA under-14 grand final postponed due to late appeal

A junior cricket club in Melbourne’s east has launched a last minute legal bid to play in an under-14s grand final with the decider now delayed.

A junior cricket grand final in Melbourne’s east has been postponed after lawyers were called in to settle a semi-final dispute.

The Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) under-14 match between Buckley Ridges and Narre Warren last weekend was decided by just seven runs, with the Bucks clinching a place in the grand final.

The winner was set to meet Berwick this Saturday.

It’s understood that the dispute surrounds the involvement of a 12th man.

In an email sent by DDCA secretary John Brooks to competing clubs, Brooks explains that Narre Warren is implementing legal assistance to overturn the result.

“The postponement is due to a decision by the VMCU (Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union) and lawyers representing Narre Warren Cricket Club, that an appeal should be held regarding the result of the Under 14-1 semi final that was held last weekend,” Brooks’ email read.

“This not an ideal situation, but the VMCU and legal representation for the Narre Warren Cricket Club have left us with no other option.

“Revised dates for the grand final will be determined after the appeal has taken place.”

Berwick, which defeated Lynbrook in the other semi-final last weekend, informed its supporters of the decision late on Friday night.

“The under 14-1 grand final has been postponed by the association and will be rescheduled once the outcome of an appeal relating to the other semi final match has been determined,” the club said in a social media post.