Following an incident during the first grade semi-final between JPC and Glendon at Cook Park a fortnight ago, the executive felt the need to investigate the matter further.

And, late last week, penalties were handed down to three players.

“While no official complaint was made by either team, the confrontation was verbally reported by umpire Dave Paget to the association,” Daniel Storey said.

“With rumours spreading throughout the area (that a player hit a rival), we asked him for a written report.

“We also discussed it with Dave [in person].

“While many players were involved in the argument afterwards, it was deemed that three of them were the cause and continuation of the incident.

“As a result, the executive decided, as per rule 26, to cite them.

“We offered them the choice of accepting a sentence [determined by the executive from precedence] or the opportunity to have a hearing heard by a judicial committee.”

Storey said the behaviour of the trio was “against the spirit of the game”.

“It’s not a good look for cricket, which is currently promoting many juniors through the hard work of a dedicated committee,” he admitted.

“The executive believed the issue needed to be dealt with swiftly – and acted in accordance with the rules.

“The JPC player received an eight-week penalty, with four of those weeks being a suspended sentence.

“We offered the two Glendon representatives two-week [suspended sentences].

“One of them accepted the punishment immediately, while the other chose to face the judicial committee.

“However, they upheld the decision.

“All clubs need to realise there is no tolerance for violence in the game of cricket, and that all players show a level of respect to all other players and officials.”