Cricket: Turner backs tough line on misbehaviour

Otago coach Glenn Turner has called on provinces to give total support to New Zealand Cricket's hard line on code-of-conduct breaches.

Turner yesterday said he was disappointed that Auckland had appealed against New Zealand allrounder Dion Nash's three-match suspension for abusing umpire Dave Quested and Otago batsman Lee Germon during a State Championship match in Dunedin last week.

The appeal was dismissed by NZC national commissioner Nick Davidson.

"It seems the provinces don't yet fully understand what's trying to be achieved here," former New Zealand coach Turner said.

"To appeal these things is rather foolish, I think.

"The player [Nash] risked being punished more, which might have been an even better outcome."

Turner said the Otago players had been given the message they would get no support if they breached the code of conduct.

"They know that Otago cricket, the chief executive [Graeme Elliott], the coach and captain will not support them," he said. "I think that's the best deterrent."

Davidson said a concession by umpire Quested that abuse he thought was directed at him may have been meant for Germon saved Nash from an increased suspension.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said Nash had "seriously breached" the code, despite a clear directive from NZC that it intended to crack down on player misbehaviour.

- NZPA