Maurice Kepple, a former national opening batsman, played six of champions Manchester Lions' seven matches without being properly transferred from second-division outfit Kensington CC.

According to the rules of the competition: "Should any club/parish be found guilty of a breach of this rule, then such a club/parish shall suffer a loss of any points gained in the match in which the breach was committed and/or may be fined."

fine to be paid

But the JCA, in its wisdom, after ruling that the 26-year-old transfer loan request was improperly handled, chose to ban Kepple for Manchester's final round match, and fine the team $300,000, rather than deducting points.

The JCA, in its ruling, also stated: "1) Manchester was fully aware but continued to play the individual; 2) There was no evidence to suggest Manchester had any dishonourable motive to play the individual; 3) The interpretation of the JCA rules and regulations on player registration and eligibility allows a fine-only penalty; 4) A mark of $50,000 for each match that the individual played in was deemed adequate and reasonable. Thus, with Mr Kepple having played in six matches, a fine of $300,000 was imposed."

This ruling, however, did not go down well with a number of clubs, most notably title contenders Melbourne Kangaroos and St Catherine Saints, who a few days after made a joint appeal to the JCA for a review.

They also asked that, in light of the developments, that the final set of league matches be suspended.

The matches, however, went ahead as scheduled last weekend, and the appeal, it is understood, was ignored.

- Jermaine Lannaman