TEST CASE
No report, but ump wants action looked at
EAST Belmont is weighing up whether to send paceman Alex Willerton for forensic testing of his bowling action, amid concerns he has a suspect action. In a stunning development, the Lions’ hierarchy learnt last night that local officials had recommended the Englishman have his action analysed by Cricket Victoria.
While Willerton has not been reported and has not been called for any no balls, officiating umpire Dean Wilson, who watched the fast bowler in last round’s match against Leopold, penned a letter requesting that the GCA encourage the paceman to have his action assessed.
East Belmont coach Chris Williams was previously unaware of the move to have his player do remedial work and believes his action has been given the all-clear.
“My understanding is there was no report made and that was the last bit of information I received,” Williams said before last night’s T20 clash against Newtown & Chilwell.
The development came after a video of Willerton bowling at rapid speed emerged on the GCA Facebook page a fortnight ago, drawing widespread debate.
The GCA then responded by selecting experienced umpires Wilson and Trevor Anderson to officiate East Belmont’s most recent clash to examine his action.
“He didn’t get reported at all for having a suspect action, so at this point in time there will be no further action,” GCA president Barry McFarlane said.
“Dean sent a letter in (to the GCA) explaining what happened and we’ll contact East Belmont to see what their thoughts are about getting him tested.
“So there’s been no official complaint about his action, put it that way, but we thought we’d get on the front foot.
“With all the comments being made, we think it’s in the best interest of all that we just get him tested anyway.
“And in fairness to East Belmont, they should be involved in that decision.”
A MATCH-WINNING 97 has rocketed East Belmont skipper Sean O’Neill to the top of the Intersport De Grandi MVP leaderboard.
Steering his side passed Leopold’s formidable total of 302 with a 16-boundary knock, O’Neill climbed from outside the top 10 to outright leader.
He nudged Lara all-rounder Andy Hughes to second and favourite Richie Oliver to third as he moved past 200 runs for the season. In four matches, O’Neill has 263 runs at a neat average of 65.75.
Hughes has 151 runs at 37.75 to go with eight wickets, while Oliver has 231 runs at 57.75.
St Joseph’s run machine Leigh Kentish moved into fifth with his unbeaten 89, while North Geelong all-rounder Andrew Fergusson climbed from ninth to sixth on the back of his knock of 45 and 3-18 with the ball.