Two cricket clubs and the South Metropolitan Cricket Association are remaining tight lipped about a disturbing incident at a local cricket match that has seen a man charged with assault.
The Leeming Spartans met Forrestdale at Rushton Park in Kelmscott on Saturday, when a Forrestdale bowler allegedly tackled and repeatedly punched a Spartans player officially acting as the on-field umpire.
St John WA attended Rushton Park however the man declined transport to hospital.
WA police have confirmed a 50-year old Armadale man has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm over the incident, and will appear in Armadale Magistrates Court on November 22.
Leeming Spartans president Peter Coombs said he had been instructed by the SMCA not to comment.
“One of our players got assaulted, that’s the bottom line,” he said.
Forrestdale Senior Cricket Club made a statement on their Facebook page.
“Forrestdale Cricket Club is aware of an incident that happened over the weekend,
“Although we cannot make further comment, as it is now a police matter.
We would like to mention as a club we do not condone the behaviour and the actions on the day, but we would like to show support to our player and the playing group of the day.
“We will respect the outcome of the matter.”
South Metropolitan Cricket Association said, via their Facebook page: “The SMCA executive has become aware of an extremely serious incident that occurred in one of our matches yesterday.
“The matter is now a police matter and we are unable to comment any further.
“The SMCA Executive will update member clubs as required and when we are able to do so.”
Acting SCMA president Mark Rice confirmed this was the only statement SCMA was prepared to make.
Former SCMA Umpires Association Committee president Glen Nivison said having an opposition player in a paid position as an umpire would be unusual.
“It’s certainly concerning hearing about it,” he said.
“There have been incidents where players have come to physical blows, yes, but not against an umpire or a player acting as an umpire.”
