Local cricket match called off after fight erupts during heated semi-final

A suburban cricket association in Melbourne’s north-west is investigating after police were called to a semi-final clash that allegedly erupted in violence.

A brawl is alleged to have erupted in a NWMCA match.

The North West Metropolitan Cricket Association has launched an investigation after Saturday’s NWMCA Shield semi-final between Tullamarine and Strathmore Heights was abandoned in chaotic scenes.

The match at Gladstone Park Reserve was called off after the two teams allegedly became embroiled in an all-in brawl.

Violence spilt over when Strathmore Heights collapsed to 6-35, chasing Tullamarine’s 8-130, with a contentious umpiring call believed to have sparked the brawl.

The fighting reportedly then spread to nearby streets as players fled the ground.

An investigation has been launched into a brawl during a NWMCA semi-final.

Police confirmed they were called to the scene, finding an 19-year-old male with facial injuries but no formal complaints were made at the time.

NWMCA CEO Bob Byron said the league would be launching an investigation and was awaiting formal statements from both clubs.

Tullamarine president Dorothy Palmer said the club would not be making comment before speaking to the league and sitting down with representatives of Strathmore Heights.

Strathmore Heights posted a statement on the club’s Facebook page.

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“At this point the club is working with the members involved and the association to have this incident properly addressed,” it read.

“Being a proud family club we are striving for the best outcome and that the matter is dealt with accordingly, so we can continue to provide a safe and friendly place for all our members and their families.”

The competition’s grand final is due to be held on Saturday with Roxburgh Park defeating St Albans in the other semi-final.

It follows a similar incident in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association just last week that saw players from two clubs involved in an ugly brawl and a player concussed after he was allegedly kicked in the head.

Queenscliff and Portarlington were both banished from the competition’s finals, stripped of all competition points and handed heavy fines but are appealing the decision.