BDCA 2023: Lengthy suspension handed down to Colts Cricket Club’s Murray Goodwin

The Colts Cricket Club has not ruled out exploring appeal options following a lengthy suspension handed down to Murray Goodwin on Friday.

After more than two weeks since the initial tribunal hearing in Bunbury, Goodwin, a decorated former Test batter with Zimbabwe, was handed a three-year ban following an altercation with Marist wicketkeeper Cam Marra in the grand final last month.

Following his dismissal during Colts’ first innings, Goodwin’s bat made contact with Marra as he walked off the ground, which was deemed a level-four offence.

Umpires informed both captains on the second day of the grand final that Goodwin would be ineligible to participate in the remainder of the game due to a breach of MCC Law 42.5.

Although the suspension handed down is three years, as it stands, Goodwin will only miss 16 games, given the rest of the penalty is a suspended sentence.

In a written statement obtained by the Bunbury Herald, the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association outlined rationale behind the verdict.

“Given the unusual nature of the incident, the tribunal recommended the BDCA executive committee review its code of conduct to determine the most appropriate penalty in this instance.

“The committee subsequently used its constitutional process to forward this case to the BDCA independent protest and dispute board for consideration.

“The independent P&D Board upheld the original tribunal decision and found Mr Goodwin guilty of Offence 17 under the BDCA Code of Conduct and handed down a three-year suspension commencing 18th March 2023 of which 16 Matches with immediate suspension will be served and the remaining term served as a suspended sentence.

“The P&D Board’s decision is final and binding, as per the BDCA Constitution.

“The BDCA will not be making any further comment on this matter.”

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Goodwin outlined the hurt he had felt in the aftermath of the incident — and was concerned the suspension could hinder his chances of playing alongside his teenage son Ashton in future.

Colts president Jaysen Miguel said the club was disappointed with the verdict and was presently unsure of options available in terms of a potential appeal — however, if an avenue was feasible, it could be explored moving forward.

Marist president Blaze Rosinski said the club’s support of Marra had remained firm throughout and was keen for the Blues to look forward.

“We are just glad it is over from our point of view,” Rosinski said. “I know Cam just wants to move on.”

Goodwin was also contacted in a bid to reiterate or expand on comments made during the original interview.