West Coast fine replaced by points deduction in Heartland Championship AARON GOILEMARTIN HUNTER/GETTY IMAGES West Coast's $4000 fine has been replaced by a reduction of six competition points in the Heartland Championship. During the first four rounds of the season, West Coast fielded a player who was recorded as a 'local', despite not meeting relevant criteria. The union had brought the breach to the attention of NZR as soon as they were aware of the issue and stood the player down. The appeal council of Pamela Andrews CNZM, Sir Bryan Williams and Michael Heron QC upheld the panel's original decision as to West Coast's culpability, but varied the sanction imposed, removing the fine and replacing it with a six-point competition deduction. Before the reduction of points, West Coast were occupying the eighth and final playoffs spot in the 12-team competition and could have finished as high as sixth, which would earn a home Lochore Cup semi.

Source: Stuff October 13, 2018 01:41 UTC