Local cricket semi-final postponed after judge grants suspended players injunction

A local cricket association has postponed a semi-final after a competing club was given a court injunction to play suspended players.

A local cricket semi-final has been postponed over an ongoing legal stoush.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association delayed the Senior Division final between Haig Fawkner and Deer Park after Haig was given a court injunction to play suspended players.

The players were banned last month on charges of ball tampering.

However, Haig Fawkner was granted a temporary injunction that would allow them to play until the matter went back before the court on Friday.

As a result the Senior Division match and Haig’s Second XI final against Aberfeldie were postponed.

In a letter sent to clubs, the association said Deer Park had asked for the game to be pushed back.

“The VTCA board of management have received correspondence from Deer Park Cricket Club expressing concern over the semi-final game of Haig Fawkner v Deer Park scheduled for today and tomorrow,” the letter said.

“Deer Park Cricket Club have asked that the game be postponed.

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“Due to the current court matter between Haig v VTCA before the magistrates court an interim injunction has been granted to the five Haig Fawkner players for seven days until the matter be finalised next Friday.

“In light of fairness and equity it has been decided that the match scheduled for today be postponed until the matter is finalised next Friday before the court.”

As a result of the postponed semi-final, the Senior Division grand final will be held on March 25 and 26.

VTCA president Zoran Havranek said it was disappointing the issue had come to this point.

“Cricket is the loser in this,” he said.

“It’s disappointing and I know a lot of other clubs are disappointed in the situation.”