Hit for six by cricket pro on the rampage

September 13, 2006

A CRICKET match was sensationally abandoned after a local club's Zimbabwean professional threw a 'flipper'.

Mark Vermeulen's behaviour will now be discussed at a meeting of the Central Lancashire League (CLL) after he lost his rag bowling in Werneth's final game of the season at Ashton Cricket Club on Sunday.

Problems started after a young Ashton batsman clipped him for four and then smashed him for six.

Incensed by the crowd's cheers, the former international lost control after bowling a wide with his next delivery. After retrieving the ball, Vermeulen is said to have marched towards the pavilion and hurled it into the crowd.

With families cowering for safety, it ricocheted off a railing like "a pinball", narrowly missing a young girl.

Vermuelen - already reprimanded for a ball-throwing incident this season - is then alleged to have grabbed a boundary marker and, brandishing it like a weapon, walked towards spectators.

Werneth official Adrian McMahon tried to shepherd him away but was met with a volley of abuse which so incensed him that he punched the player to the ground.

Club skipper Darren Shadford then sent Vermuelen off and opted to concede the match, althoughVermeulen is said to have continued stomping around the outfield for ten minutes like "a raging bull", ripping down an advertising hoarding.

Team mates finally calmed him down, but it is believed that he was later arrested following an alleged incident at his flat close to Werneth's ground.

A police spokesman confirmed they were called to the club at Coppice at about 7pm and that officers arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of a breach of the peace. No charges are said to have been pressed.

Werneth skipper Darren Shadford said he was still in a "state of shock".

He said: "I got the lads together and it seemed the right thing to do not to carry on, so I conceded. The whole situation had got out of hand. I have never seen anything like this."

Ashton batsman Jon Selby said Vermuelen was subjected to barracking throughout the game, but nothing out of the ordinary.

"That's part and parcel of playing. If amateurs can rise above it, professionals surely must," he said. "The lads from Werneth were distraught."

Eyewitness Graham Derbyshire said: "He completely lost the plot. He was like a raging bull."

Howard Donsfield, CLL chairman, and a former Werneth chairman, said: "I was at the game and hope I don't ever see anything like it again - it was a sad sight for cricket.

"Discipline is a big issue for me at present and I'm determined to stamp anything like this out. It's not just about spectators either - there was a 15-year-old boy among Vermeulen's team-mates and it's not the kind of example he should set."

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Terry, Oldham (13/09/2006 at 19:59)

He used to be a javlin thrower. Maybe he should go back to it, he seems to have a good arm!

Paul Allott, Wilmslow (14/09/2006 at 06:53)

When I heard the news I was absolutely staggered, I just could not take it in, incredible, words failed me, how could anyone in their right mind consider re signing Mark after his dreadful season. I think he had taken 8 wickets by the end of August! There are amateur batters who have scored more runs!

Eric Cantona, Paris (14/09/2006 at 12:56)

I have watched the video, obviously that is the aftermath, did anyone other than Century Films capture the assaults I jumped into the crowd at Crystal Palace and kung fu kicked some jerk who had shouted at me, I got banned for 8 months were is the justice 10 years is a long time, this punishment seems a little harsh to me for something that was merely hand bags. Au revoir.

Howard Dondfield, Oldham (14/09/2006 at 12:58)

I was at the game and believe you me I hope I dont ever see anything like it again, it was a sad sight for cricket. Discipline is a big issue for me at present and I'm determined to stamp out anything like this out, Its not just about spectators there was a 15 year old boy among Vermeulens's team-mates and its not the kind of example he should set. A Werneth official Adrian McMahon went onto the pitch and tried to shepherd him away but he was met with a volley of abuse. What made it worse for me was the Channel 4 film crew who were filming at he ground. I just hope its never shown!

Amir Kahn, Bolton (14/09/2006 at 13:24)

Vermeulen's wild throw at the crowd just about summed up his miserable season with the ball, he couldn't hit a cow's backside with a banjo! I was impressed with some of the punches thrown by the Cricket Chairman though, maybe you should rename it Werneth Cricket & Boxing Club.

Potted, Bangers'n'Mash (14/09/2006 at 15:09)

I can understand that why players' discipline is of paramount importance now, after the events of the summer in which Inzy, someone who has also attempted to fight the crowd (in Canada), has disrespected the game by behaving appallingly. One can only assume that the South African fella has witnessed the Pakistani players' behaviour and assumed that he, too, would escape punishment of any kind. Can we blame him?

Willie Eckerslike, Oldham (14/09/2006 at 16:06)

I love that camp little run towards the sightscreen he does when he's trying to get away.

Can you speed it up and keep re-winding it with the Benny Hill music?

Ben Thatcher, Manchester (14/09/2006 at 23:54)

Amateur...

Ed Rivesfastcaz, Oldham (15/09/2006 at 03:30)

Vermuelen learnt of his punishment via Cricinfo and has lodged an appeal. Barrister Andrew Fitch Holland will have a field day if he listens to the video. Fitch Holland the Chief Executive of the Lashings cricket team once prosecuted Claudia Schiffers stalker, cant see this being the end. CLL Chairman spoke of him being restrained by Werneth members on the BBC NW news but they appear to have made it worse.

A.S. Elby, Oldham (15/09/2006 at 14:37)

I have listened to the video which is on several websites it is clear that people in the crowd believe Mark was ill. In last nights interview on BBC NW news the CLL chairman Howard Donsfield hinted that he had ISSUES. So this begs a few questions- What ISSUES does he think he has. Did anyone think that before last Sunday, two blows to his head during his Test career may be a hint! Why did he have such a smug grin on his face during the interview. If he was being restrained by the Werneth Chairman why did he manage to run off- wasnt he assaulted enough!

Jon Selby, Ashton CC (15/09/2006 at 16:01)

Posting anonymously is one thing, but if you've got a valid point to make, why hide or pretend to be someone else?

I played in this game and was happy to comment, be quoted and my name to be published. I can confirm that A.S Elby (earlier post) is no relation to me.

This person has however obviously seen my footage, because as far as I am aware, the sound has been edited from any sites that have shown it and they wouldn't know what the content of the commentary was unless they'd seen the original.

On a related note, could this newspaper ask for permission in future before broadcasting something that doesn't belong to them?

Victor Hugo, Oldham (15/09/2006 at 17:15)

There is one thing stronger than all the armies of the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.
Players with low self-esteem need procedures which allow for more outside structure and support. players with high anxiety levels tend to become distracted.
Level 111 cricket coaches get basic modern cricket psychology principles instilled into them. What a pity a club like Werneth can no longer call on the services of a Level 111 coach

pingu, oldham (15/09/2006 at 19:16)

hi
where are the videos and when that program going on TV

thanks

Nicky Campbell, Oxford Street Manchester (16/09/2006 at 00:38)

If you didnt catch my interview with the CLL President Howard Drainsfield sorry Chairman. Its not too late try www.bbc.co.uk click on 5Live follow the link for breakfast it was 8.20am Thursday 14 th September. You will be bowled over, it full of superb cricket puns.

Alan Inkpen, Oldham (16/09/2006 at 18:48)

People should also consider the major trauma's that Mark has suffered. He was hit on the head during a match a couple of years and might still be feelings the effects. If thats not bad enough then he ends up playing for Werneth CC. This could tip anyone over the edge!

wacca, Hollinwood (16/09/2006 at 21:58)

Earlier this season Howard Dronsfield stopped the music at the Twenty20 fixture Ashton versus Werneth for some reason. Guess what these were some of the songs due to be played, Eye of the Tiger,The Mahna Mahna song.
How low can you go? What have I done to deserve this, fools rush in,Lucy in the Sky with diamonds,The joker (Steve Miller Band)Mr Blobby,Yazz and the plastic population-The only way is up, Babylon Zoo Spaceman.Pet shop Boys- Its a Sin, KWS -Please dont go, Right said Fred- Deeply dippy,Vic Reeves -Dizzy, Communards- Dont leave me this way.Ben E King, Stand by me!The Shamen Ebeneezer Goode, adamski- Killer, D Ream Things can only get better, take that -Pray,The Prodigy Firestarter, Oasis -Dont look back in anger Puff Daddy & Faith Evans -I'll be missing you,
The spice girls-Goodbye, Craig David - Fill me in!! A1 Take on me, Rui Da Silva -Touch me . Afroman- cos i got high! Robbie and Nicole Kidman- Something stupid, Shaggy Feat Rikrock It wasnt me, Sugababes Freak like me
Elton John- Sorry seems to be the hardest word, Michael Andrew- Madworld, Girls Aloud- I'll stand by you, Gnarls Barkley- Crazy, Nelly -over and over, The Verve- The drugs dont work, Culture Club- Do you really want to hurt me. The Police- Dont stand so close to me.
Thought I'd finish with that one!

Andy Flower, Essex (17/09/2006 at 00:40)

What action will be taken against the CLL management committee for holding a "kangeroo court" without actually inviting the defendant to attend!.

Fendi, Oldham (18/09/2006 at 09:20)

Another case of handbags

Marc Jacobs, Oldham (18/09/2006 at 10:19)

Jon you are quite right- be very careful what you write, some of your comments about banter etc could get you in hot water.
Pingu try the manchesteronline site that shows the first video that was published, cricinfo and the bbc have the better but edited version from the right of the club house that shows the alleged assault on Mark by the Werneth cricket chairman. Dont miss BBC 5 live 8.24am last Thursday with CLL President no sorry Chairman

Ralph Lauren, Chamber Road (19/09/2006 at 08:25)

Mr Inkpen despite what has happened, actually handbags, your comments are pan calling the kettle, there are those who believe that a certain Oldham CC influence is partly responsible for this fine mess. Hopefully that should rectify itself soon.

Frida Gianni, Rome (19/09/2006 at 08:32)

Mr Flower, its a Kangaroo court not a kangeroo court.
Not sure whether its because they jump to conclusions or because they carry their mates in their little pockets!

Beorge Gush, Right horse east coast of america (19/09/2006 at 11:26)

i think that baseball should be brought into the Uk. i dont no this mark fellow but he allways welcome to come here we love people like him infact we pay some players to go mad like this improves the ratings then we ship em to Iraq

Alan Inkpen, Oldham (19/09/2006 at 14:47)

Mr Lauren. How exactly did Oldham CC influence this situation????

Ralph Lauren, Chamber Road (19/09/2006 at 21:19)

It may just be a co- incidence that the former captain of Werneth who washed his hands of the post mid season was brought up at the Pollards and is reportedly returning and that the present captain who doesnt appear in any of the videos making an effort to calm the situation down was also raised at the Pollards.

Andy Stewart, Glasgow (19/09/2006 at 22:25)

Please dont forget my all time classic:"Shaddy where's your trousers?"

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