Darley Cricket Club has been left scratching its head following an in-game penalty that almost brought about its first defeat of the Ballarat Cricket Association season.
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North Ballarat had 15 runs added to its score late in the first grade run chase because of a slow over rate from the Lions.
The Roosters went from 9-186 to 9-201 after the 47th over of the one-day clash before Darley's Mitch Ward claimed the final wicket to dismiss North for 202, four runs short of victory.
Darley president Brian Wheelahan said the club was seeking clarification on the rule.
"We spoke about it as a playing group. That's something we've got to be red hot on now," he said.
Steve Young was one of the umpires involved in Saturday's match and said while it was a "harsh penalty", it was the rule.
Young said he had spoken with Lions captain Brad Barnes during the innings and warned him of his slow over rate.
"If 50 overs are not completed by scheduled cessation time and in the opinion of umpires the bowling team is at fault, the team bowling second will be penalised five runs per over that they have failed to bowl," Young said of the rule, which he understands was only implemented this season.
"You don't want to do it, but I suppose the lesson to them is that they've got to work a little bit more efficiently through their innings to finish their overs in time."
Young said North Ballarat had also been on track to receive a penalty, but dismissed Darley just inside the scheduled finish time for the first innings.