The Rats led the competition with just one match remaining, and held a commanding position over Kookas after one day of their final-round clash.

Oak Flats, however, saw their competition lead disappear after their match was washed out and Lake Illawarra defeated Shellharbour. 

The Rats lodged a protest, appealing the decision to abandon the match, which was played at Kookas home ground Oakleigh Park. That led to a meeting of the South Coast Cricket board on Wednesday night to determine the result of the protest. 

The board decided to uphold the Rats' protest, with Oak Flats handed first-innings points. The victory was enough to propel Oak Flats past Lake Illawarra and to the minor premiership. 

South Coast Cricket President Grant Tilling said the situation was not ideal, but he's pleased the board was able to come to a resolution after a meeting that lasted a number of hours. 

"At the end of the day, Oak Flats were awarded first-innings points," Tilling said. "It doesn't change too much in the semi-finals, it will still be Oak Flats versus Warilla and Lake Illawarra versus Shellharbour. 

"The biggest thing for us is it's disappointing we have to go through this. It wasn't easy, but it's one of those things that happens that's an uncomfortable situation for everyone to have been put in, the board, the clubs and the players."

Tilling confirmed the key reasons the board ruled in Oak Flats favour were that Kookas did not put the heavy covers on the wicket on Friday night and the club failed to notify the association that the covers were not in place, as South Coast Cricket rules require. 

Rats captain Scott McAndrew was pleased the board decided in his team's favour. 

"We thought we had a fair case, which is why we challenged it," McAndrew said. "I think it's great the board had the stomach to make the big call. 

"It wasn't an easy call, but it's one I think most of us are happy with, it's a fair result."

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The decision prevented Lake Illawarra from securing back-to-back minor premierships and Lakers captain Mark Ulcigrai was disappointed with the outcome of the appeal. 

"I think it's pretty unbelievable that the panel decided to give them first-innings points," Ulcigrai said. "You can't categorically guarantee Oak Flats would have got first-innings points.

"We're disappointed, but we can only control what we can control. We have the same opponents this weekend so we're preparing for that, but it is disappointing."

Given the nature of the South Coast ladder, this weekend's semi-finals have not been affected by the protest, with Kookas falling from third to fourth on the ladder as a result. 

As such, first-placed Oak Flats will face fourth-placed Kookas and second-placed Lake Illawarra will take on third-placed Shellharbour. 

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