Evans outraged by two-and-a-half year ban

2:58pm Saturday 5th July 2008

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SAGGIES' stalwart Nigel Evans has described the two-and-a-half year ban he has received from the Weymouth Evening Cricket League committee as "outrageous."

The league received a written complaint from Portland Red Triangle accusing Evans of ungentlemanly conduct after last Monday's Division One clash at Reforne and within 48 hours a decision was reached to suspend the player immediately ahead of his side's Echo Cup final meeting with RNSTS on Thursday.

Evans cannot believe such a decision was made so quickly and is now requesting a personal hearing that he hopes will takes place as soon as possible.

However, league officials are unwilling to discuss the matter further until next year's annual general meeting.

Evans said: "I did swear at one of their players during the game but it was only a bit of banter.

"He also swore at me as well but nothing has been said about that. A couple of games into the season I knocked a few runs off the bowler in question and because I only scored four the other night he turned around to me and said you are not happy about that are you?' "My reaction was just to walk away but later in the game he then got caught out by one of our lads who does not catch very many and there was a big celebration and he was not pleased and showed it.

"However, we all shook hands afterwards and everything was fine so to ban me automatically like they did just 48 hours later and to be told less than 24 hours before the Echo Cup final that I cannot play and should stay away from the game all together was unbelievable.

"I have now requested a personal hearing but I have been told that the matter will not be discussed until the next annual general meeting which is not until next year."

Echosport spoke with league committee member Dr Neil Hardisty after the Echo Cup final, which was won by RNSTS, and he revealed that this latest complaint about Evans and the Saggies is not the first they have received.

He said: "Last year we received complaints, written and verbal, concerning the Saggies and Nigel, and we warned them about their future conduct.

"We told them that we did not want any repeat but unfortunately after Monday night's game we got another written complaint and it was not just about swearing, it was about intimidation.

"We discussed the matter at a committee meeting and came to the decision to suspend Nigel with immediate effect. He has also been given a letter explaining that the matter will be re-evaluated at the annual general meeting."