Skipper pays the price of dinner bust-up

Simon Wright

FORMER Crompton Cricket Club captain Simon Wright was ordered to complete community service after assaulting an off-duty police officer during an awards dinner.

Wright (27), of Princess Road, Shaw, admitted two counts of common assault at Oldham Magistrates Court yesterday.

The incident happened at Saddleworth and District Cricket League’s award dinner in Denshaw last November.

Magistrates heard how trouble flared after fans from rival Heyside Cricket Club hurled abuse and gestures at Wright as he walked past their table.

A court heard how Wright told one of the fans, off-duty police officer Joe Warburton, that he would “rip his head off” before the attack.

Wright, who had drunk eight pints of lager and several glasses of wine, headbutted rival fan Anthony Winstanley in a function room and then punched Mr Warburton five times as he waited outside for a taxi.

Both were left with minor injuries.

Suzanne Dooley, defending, said Wright’s recollection of events was blurred and he had shown genuine remorse.

Magistrate Alan Moss said: “As the captain of a cricket club, you should be able to rise above any provocation.”

Wright, a married father-of-one, no longer plays for Crompton. He is preparing to start the new season for Rochdale-based club Bamford Fieldhouse, but it is understood league officials are now considering his registration.

Wright, who had no previous convictions, was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £180 to his victims, as well as £100 court costs.