Reman Services Cricket Club’s troubles continue to mount as they go into Saturday’s Marston’s Shropshire Premier League derby at Shelton without suspended captain Mal Serplet.
The Australian has been hit by a two-match ban after reported dissent towards umpire Steve Johnson during Reman’s defeat at Newport on May 22.
Serplet had to sit out last weekend’s defeat at home to Allscott and will again be absent as Reman bid to climb away from the bottom of the table at the expense of Shrewsbury rivals Shelton.
It’s the latest hammer blow to hit Reman, the league’s unbeaten champions as recently as 2008, as they were also recently docked five points for not registering experienced Chris Speake under the league’s new electronic registration system.
Serplet said he was disappointed to be missing games given Reman’s current plight but he’s now keen to put the episode behind him.
“I did question a decision from the umpire so that is a form of dissent,” said Serplet.
“I just want to put it behind me now because it’s been hanging over me for the last couple of weeks. I just want to get it out of the way and get back to concentrating on winning games.”
Marston’s League chairman Mike Robinson, confirming Serplet’s suspension, added: “Following an incident reported in Reman’s game at Newport on May 22, Reman were invited to follow the league’s disciplinary procedure which meant a two-match ban for Mal Serplet starting last weekend.”
Serplet, who agrees his suspension could not have come at a worse time, is now hoping the only way is up for Reman as they strive to recapture the form which made them a team feared by their rivals not too long ago.
“The guys know the situation we’re in so to be playing against Shelton is even more of an incentive,” he added.
“Darren Bullock will captain the side again and Mark Davies’s influence will be important.”
By Stuart Dunn