Echuca was docked premiership points for fielding unregistered players in its senior and reserves victories over Rochester in round one of the Goulburn Valley League season.
The club reported the issue after the clash in April, and was subsequently stripped of points and fined $500 for each offence.
At the time, the penalties were branded “severe” by the club and an appeal against the decision was launched on April 20.
But the club was advised on Friday by the Goulburn Murray Commission that the appeal had been unsuccessful.
This means the penalties will stand and Echuca’s senior grade record of 5-1 will remain.
The Murray Bombers currently sit second on the GVL ladder.
Echuca’s reserves hold a 3-3 record following the decision, sitting sixth on the ladder.
Echuca co-coach Simon Maddox believed the club would be shown leniency in the matter, but it wasn’t to be.
“We’ve been kicked in the guts a bit as a club with the points,” Maddox said.
“We really feel it was just an honest mistake by a volunteer.
“We figured (PlayHQ) is a new system, mistakes are made and we get our points back.”
Echuca is yet to lose a game since the early-season incident, currently on a five-game tear in the GVL to firm as one of the premiership favourites.
The Murray Bombers responded to the announcement with a thumping win over Shepparton Bears on Saturday.
A full match report can be found on page 7 of today’s Riverine Herald.
Echuca’s penalties
• Premiership points attained in senior and reserves grade victories against Rochester rescinded and awarded to Rochester.
• Suspended fine of $1000, $500 for each offence.
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