Darley's opening batsman Lachlan Herring will miss the side's huge clash with Wendouree this Saturday after copping a suspension for dissent.
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Herring was booked by umpire Ian Morris during last weekend's Ballarat Cricket Association first grade clash against Mt Clear.
He attended a tribunal hearing in Ballarat on Wednesday night where he received the ban.
Herring was banned for one week with another week suspended until the end of the season.
Morris told The Courier Herring had used "unacceptable language towards the umpire for which he was reported". The incident occurred after he was given out caught behind down the leg side.
The umpire said he was "satisfied" with the sanction handed down.
Morris said a new system implemented this season saw Herring offered a one-week set penalty and a caution, but also allowed him the option of challenging the report.
He said previous reports were sent straight to the tribunal.
Morris was also pleased with the support given to the Ballarat Cricket Umpires Association through the process and said officials should not feel frightened to make a report.
"It's another way of expressing that you will get support from the tribunal and will get support from the BCA and our association as well," Morris, the secretary of the BCUA, said.
Darley coach Brian Wheelahan said the club accepted the tribunal's decision and felt it sent a message to all players about respecting umpires.
Herring's absence is a blow to a Darley side that is looking to keep its unbeaten start to the season in tact.
The Lions have beaten reigning premiers East Ballarat and powerhouse Mt Clear in the early rounds.
While Herring is out, the club is set to welcome in gun import Danza Hyatt.
The former West Indies international was set to land in Australia on Thursday and should be right to line up in the first grade side on Saturday.
Recruit Anthony Taylor is unavailable this weekend and will be replaced in the team by young wicket-keeper Jordan Monaghan.
Darley will take on a Red Caps outfit that is also unbeaten in season 2019-20.
Wendouree skipper Gavin Webb said top batsman Mathew Begbie would return to the team this Saturday after being forced to come through the seconds last weekend.
