Lions finish with spoils

Queens appeal denied as Palm Beach claim win

PALM Beach Currumbin’s controversial upset win over Queens will stand after Cricket Gold Coast upheld the umpires’ decision.

The Lions’ chase of the 7-177 total set by Queens on Saturday at Salk Oval was aided when the visitors were penalised 12 runs for being two overs short of the 40 required to be bowled by the 5.30pm cut-off.

That penalty took PBC into the lead but, as confusion reigned, play continued and they were bowled out two balls later for 184.

PBC were awarded the win but Queens protested the result.

Cricket Gold Coast president Dean Johnson confirmed yesterday afternoon that the points would remain with the Lions, marking their maiden win of the season.

The case was mulled over by CGC’s grades committee, with Darren Santer, Paul Baker and Wayne Phillips forming a unanimous decision.

Johnson said Peter Goodchap would ordinarily have been involved in the process but withdrew given his affiliation with Queens.

“They looked at the umpires’ report of what occurred, they looked at the statement made by Jack Winton who is the Queens captain, and obviously the rules,” Johnson said.

“They all agreed … after looking at everything, they deliberated and made sure everything was correct and then determined that the result would stand.”

Johnson said it was important for over rates to be adhered to, with light often fading at the end of play, particularly in October and March.

“The rules are there for a reason and from my understanding it happened to Palm Beach last year or the year before, as Ryan (Kettle, Palm Beach) said during the week,” Johnson said.

“The clubs have just got to make sure that they bowl their overs in the allotted time.”

Queens president Greg Chaplin said the club was unhappy with the decision but would now move on.

“Why continue (playing) after 5.30pm if what happened didn’t matter?” Chaplin said.

“I don’t think (the umpires’ decision) was in the spirit of the game but that’s the way they interpreted it. We’re not happy but ... we probably should’ve scored more runs.”

Queens are now in unfamiliar territory as one of three teams still chasing their first victory of the season.