Batsman given out for obstructing the field

2:54pm Monday 16th June 2008

A BIZARRE dismissal and an injury to Clive Penfold contributed to Westinghouse's downfall as they lost at home to Purton by 55 runs in the Wiltshire Division.

As Westinghouse chased Purton's 203 total, number seven Sam Dix was given out for obstructing the field.

As Dix ran between the wickets, a fielder threw the ball towards the stumps and Dix was adjudged to have deliberately deflected its path with his bat.

Purton appealed and Dix was given out, much to the annoyance of the Westinghouse players, who did not know about the law.

Skipper Steve Coombs said: "It looked like Sam was in or he was nearly in.

"He'd never have been out if he hadn't hit it because the ball was certainly not going in the direction of the stumps, it was more to protect himself.

"It got a little bit heated. It was quite an interesting call, we had never heard of it ourselves."

The game had earlier begun badly for Westinghouse as they lost opening bowler Clive Penfold to injury after 10 overs.

Penfold dislocated his thumb as he tried to stop a ball and had to go to hospital.

Coombs said: "Injuries never help but the fielding again wasn't particularly good. Purton bowled and fielded really and unfortunately we were short and didn't play as well.

"They are a good side and it's always a good contest between the two of us."

Westinghouse were undone by heavy scoring from the home side, with Parichaya Shrivastava (56), Mark Gardner (51) and Adam Woolford (33 not out) doing the majority of the damage.

l Under Law 37 either batsman is out obstructing the field if he wilfully obstructs or distracts the opposing side by word or action.

It shall be regarded as obstruction if either batsman wilfully, and without the consent of the fielding side, strikes the ball with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, after the ball has touched a fielder.

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