Independent will probe final debacle

EARLY FINISH: Greytown batsman Robbie Speers is trapped lbw in the Bidwill Cup final to the delight of Lansdowne bowler Stefan Hook-Sperry. PHOTO/CHRIS KILFORD

The fallout from the debacle which saw the final of Wairarapa Cricket's flagship competition, the Bidwill Cup, being called off early on Saturday afternoon has begun.

The Wairarapa Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association were to award two trophies at the end-of-season function on Sunday night but decided not to do so.

One was the Spirit of Cricket Cup for the player who demonstrates the true spirit of cricket in the premier grade and the second, the Thursday Cup, is for the team which best displays the spirit of cricket over the whole of the club season.

Just who were to be the recipients of those trophies has not been made public but the association has met and a statement was expected from them this morning.

The Bidwill Cup decider between Lansdowne and Greytown came to a stop at tea on the first day when batting side Greytown elected to remain in the changing sheds rather than continue their first innings.

They later cited an "intolerable level of personal abuse directed at our players", as being the reason for a stand which meant Lansdowne became the cup holders by forfeit.

Greytown also forwarded a formal request to the WCA board to investigate the cirumstances and that was supported by Lansdowne who were not willing to apportion blame for what had occurred on the field of play, saying both teams might well have something to answer for.

Board chairman Sam Rossiter-Stead confirmed yesterday a full investigation by an independent person would be held into the final and he and WCA president Mark Elliott would liaise with that person involved but would play no part in the investigation. Other board members were conflicted and would not be involved.

Rossiter-Stead said it was likely the investigation would include reports from the two umpires, representations from the Greytown and Lansdowne clubs and people who had witnessed what had transpired.

"Nothing will be swept under the carpet, that is the bottom line," he said. "The whole situation is a disgrace and we want everything on the table."

Meanwhile, Lansdowne's Calvin Ball was one of the big winners at the presentation function, being awarded the Rance Cup for taking the most wickets for the Wairarapa senior men's squad and the Payton Trophy for the Representative Player of the Year.

The Curtis Cup for the best batting performance for the Wairarapa senior squad went to Lansdowne skipper Jamie Holmes.

The Arthur Hoar Bowling Cup for the most wickets in senior club cricket was won by Tony Russo of Greytown and the Dermot Payton Cup for the most runs in senior club cricket went to Brock Price (Lansdowne).

Team trophies on the senior club scene were dominated by Lansdowne which finished with the Bidwill Cup, Bidwill Challenge Cup and The Rock T20 Championship while Greytown won the Umpire's Cup.

In the open grade club competition, Greytown 10 O'Clock Cookie Co won the Times-Age Cup and the Chairman's Cup and Turkey Red Old Boys won The Rock T20 Championship. The John Gray Batting Cup went to Greg Dennes-Wilson and the Peter Walker Bowling Cup to Regan Pope.