TACKING Point Thunder Omni captain Louise Oirbans scored a hat-trick as they progressed to within a game of the Manning Hockey Association division one grand final on Saturday.
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But their 3-0 win over Tigers was overshadowed with news the result is in dispute following an allegation a Thunder player shouldn't have played the semi-final due to suspension.
Oirbans admitted she was the player in question, but was also under the belief she was free to play following a hearing last week.
"Was there a player playing that shouldn't have been ... no," Oirbans said.
"The player was myself and I was told I was able to play after the hearing last week and I thought it was dealt with."
She admitted it had come as a surprise when she was informed last week that she could take her place in the semi-final clash.
"It was a surprise they let me play, but it's not a surprise there is an appeal," she said.
"I don't think it was a one-sided game; we were playing for the love of the game rather than any other scenario surrounding anything else."
Manning Hockey president Debbie Monck confirmed the protest had been lodged and a decision would be made early this week, but would make no further comment.
Sharks upset defending premiers Town 2-0 in the major semi to advance to the grand final on Saturday September 21.
The finals of the junior and senior grades will be played on Saturday.
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