Two key players are in danger of missing next month’s finals series with suspension after being referred straight to the Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League judiciary later this week.
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Norths goalkeeper Shaun O’Brien and Gosford defender Rhiley Carr will front the disciplinary panel in separate hearings on Thursday and Friday respectively.
Charges were handed down by league officials on Wednesday following the brawl which broke out between the opposing teams just before half-time of the weekend’s heated top-of-the-table clash.
O’Brien will have dual cases to answer. Firstly, in relation to his send off for the tackle on the edge of the circle that brought down Carr’s teammate and brother Lain.
The second is for fighting, the same as Rhiley Carr.
Norths defender Nick Hill, who was one of three players to cop yellow cards, received a lower grade-one charge. The former NSW squad member faces a maximum two matches on the sidelines, but will only miss one if he takes an early guilty plea.
Lain’s sin-binning on Sunday was deemed sufficient penalty.
Both clubs have also been issued a show cause notice following a similar incident between the same two sides last year.
Gosford and Norths, grand final opponents the last three seasons, could face off against each other in just over a fortnight if they remain first and second on the competition ladder with a spot in this year’s decider on the line.
Two regular rounds remain before the play-offs start on September 1.
The Central Coast outfit visits fifth-placed Maitland on Sunday followed by third-placed Wests in Newcastle on August 26. Norths have a bye and then travel to meet sixth-placed The Entrance in the last round.
Defending champions Gosford are one point ahead of 2016 champions Norths on the overall standings.
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