ACA faces the music

Albany Cricket Association is facing disciplinary action from the State’s peak cricket body after the theft of former Warriors captain and test batsman Marcus North’s bats at the A-Section Country Week final at the WACA last month.

The WACA board is set to discuss the matter at its next board meeting on February 27, which could also decide the fate of future Country Week finals being played at the venue.

Royals Cricket Club English import Sam Bloor has been fined $200 and ordered to undertake 20 hours of community work by ACA for stealing one of Mr North’s bats from his locker on January 26.

It is understood players from two other cricket associations were responsible for more thefts, which included two bats and Warriors and Perth Scorchers clothing stolen from the venue’s home-team changeroom.

Mr Bloor has since returned the bat he stole and expressed sincere remorse for his actions.

Last Thursday WACA country programs manager Tim Lees circulated an email to all country cricket associations seeking the whereabouts and return of Mr North’s two other bats.

“Words cannot express the desperation I am feeling for country cricket right now,” he wrote.

“Please help in any way possible to assist in the return of Marcus’ bats as if they are not returned, some very serious consequences will impact on us all as country cricketers.”

WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said she was disappointed by the thefts and would issue a disciplinary directive — and consider criminal charges — when an investigative report compiled by the WA Country Cricket Board is handed to WACA directors on February 27.

“The overriding emotion for me is disappointment that people haven’t respected what is a great institution in this State,” she said.

“We’ve obviously got to look at our own internal processes as well as investigating what people did.”

Ms Matthews said it was “unfathomable” to think country players given the opportunity to play at high profile venues would disrespect the privilege. This year was the first time a Country Week final had been played at the WACA since 2008 due to busy scheduling with domestic and international cricket fixtures.

WA Country Cricket Board chairman and incident investigator Peter Sillinger echoed Ms Matthews’ disappointment.

“We have the opportunity to play at the home of cricket in WA and we need the players and supporters to treat that facility with respect,” he said. “It has hampered the reputation of country cricket, there’s no doubt about that.”

ACA president Terry Eaton said Mr Bloor was “shattered” when he came forward in admission and had continued to be remorseful since the incident.

He hoped those responsible for the other thefts would use the “amnesty period” to come forward return stolen property.

Mr Bloor declined to comment.