Elgin runout leaves bitter aftertaste
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Howzat, action from a recent game at Fochabers but it was an incident at Elgin which has caused controversy
IN THE first article I wrote this season, I urged all cricketers to play within the spirit of the game.
Much to my dismay, the method by which the Elgin captain, Kevin Fraser, was run out in their league fixture against Forres St Lawrence last Saturday, has caused ill-feeling within the Elgin camp. Not the normally accepted form of run out, but the bowler stopping in the crease and whipping off the bails as Fraser was backing up.
This is certainly not the first instance of this individual leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of his opponents, since I witnessed him doing something similar against Fochabers a few years ago.
It may be within the laws of the game to dismiss a batsman in such a fashion, but, thankfully, 99.9% of North players don’t go down this route.
Perhaps, with the benefit of hindsight, the Forres captain could have withdrawn the appeal or even the bowler might have used this as a warning to the batsman, without the necessity to appeal.
Prior to the removal of the bails, the bowler had stopped previously at the crease and as far as the batsman was concerned no audible warning was given. There could be several reasons for any bowler stopping at the crease, even with a minimum run-up.
I’m positive that no cricketer wishes to see a fellow player sent back to the pavilion in the circumstances described.
Irrespective of the dismissal being legitimate, this type of incident does absolutely nothing to enhance North cricket’s image; in fact, the exact opposite.
This supposed gentleman’s game may be life or death to the person concerned; for the rest, it is all about enjoyment, whether on the winning or losing side.
I spoke to Fraser and three other Elgin players later on Saturday night, and all were utterly appalled at what happened; there being other reasons for them to feel so aggrieved, and emanating from the same individual.
I share their sentiments, because the spirit of the game was sadly breached. If the individual is proud of securing a wicket by the means he adopted, I feel sorry for his continued, deep-rooted interpretation towards what is but an amateur sport.
Young cricketers were present in both teams, and this is not the example which a senior player should be exhibiting. To try and win at all costs is definitely not what any sport is about.
North cricket endeavours to embrace an amicable bond among all its clubs, and not have it fragmented by the over-zealous actions of one individual.
• After consultation with all the senior players who had participated against Forres, Elgin CC has reported an individual to the NOSCA secretary for his behaviour both on and off the field.
