Parsons out for two weeks with suspension

Hawera United batsman Mark Parsons has been handed a two-match suspension after being found guilty of a breach of Taranaki Cricket's code of conduct at a disciplinary hearing in New Plymouth this week.

An umpire's complaint alleging "unacceptable behaviour" in an off-field incident was upheld by the appointed judicial committeemen Maurice Betts and Brian Bellringer.

The penalty means Parsons will miss playing for Hawera United for two Saturdays starting today.

In releasing the findings yesterday, TCA chairman Neil Sulzberger said the umpire's complaints were lodged under the rule which states abusing, disputing or questioning an umpire's decision, or reacting in an obviously provocative or disapproving manner after an umpire's decision. Another charge laid was indulging in conduct prejudicial to the interests of cricket.

Both charges were upheld by the judicial committee, he said.

Meanwhile, Taranaki premier one-day cricket continues today and with three teams tied on points at the top of the table and one qualifying round remaining after today's play.

Today's matches will test the player depth of teams which will be without their rep players for the first time this season. Sharing the lead in the competition with 20 points each are Woodleigh, defending champion New Plymouth Old Boys and Francis Douglas Memorial College.

New Plymouth Marist United (18) and Inglewood (14) are both still in the hunt for a playoff spot and are next on the points table. Today, NPOB will be expected to continue its good form against Hawera United at new Plymouth's Western Park.

The best game of the round should be NPMU against FDMC at New Plymouth's Lynmouth Park. A win to the home side would see it leapfrog the college side on the points ladder.

In other games Stratford hosts New Plymouth Boys' High School, while Inglewood is at home to Woodleigh, with the New Plymouth side looking to get back into a winning groove after going down narrowly to NPOB.

- © Fairfax NZ News