WHAT is it with the two Cup Match clubs?

Almost three weeks after the classic ended, their silence remains deafening.

Not a word on the disgraceful behaviour from players on both teams, and still no sign of any announcement on the Most Valuable Player recipient.

For a match of such significance ? indeed the only match anywhere in the world where an entire country closes down to celebrate the occasion ? the manner in which St. George's and Somerset run the annual showpiece is beginning to border on the farcical.

Let's not also forget the dubious decision-making that led to this year's game being aired on pay-per-view TV, depriving many of those who couldn't get to the match an opportunity to watch the action.

As regards the unsportsmanlike conduct of so many of those on the field, well documented in these pages in recent weeks and roundly condemned by just about everybody from the Sports Minister down to the average spectator, the clubs for some reason have appeared hell bent on sweeping it under the carpet.

As custodians of one of the Island's most cherished sporting spectacles, one would have thought they might have done everything within their power to maintain its integrity.

Instead, through their unwillingness to punish any of those guilty of bringing the game into disrepute or even publicly recognise that this year's game was woefully lacking in the spirit in which cricket is supposed to be played, one can only assume that they condone the behaviour of their players.

Both clubs might argue that until they receive the umpires' reports their hands are tied. But it would be a weak and rather hollow excuse.

Like everybody else who attended the two-day game, their officials witnessed what went on on the field with their own eyes. And they certainly don't need the men in the middle to confirm what they already know.

Bermuda Cricket Board have already made it clear that unless the clubs take internal action, they, as the governing body, will step in and enforce their own disciplinary measures.

By now they must be tired of waiting.

A major international tournament, the Intercontinental Cup, gets underway in Canada next week involving many of the same players who took part in Cup Match.

National coach Gus Logie has outlined the standard of behaviour he expects from his players at this level. And woe betide anyone who steps out of line.

But he's getting precious little support from either St. George's or Somerset ? an all too familiar tale in Bermuda where those helping to administrate the sport put club before country.

As for the failure to select an MVP, it's now reached the stage where really nobody cares.

In most first class matches anywhere else, the game's top player is chosen and rewarded immediately after stumps, allowing him to celebrate his accomplishments along with the winning team.

Cup Match, however, has a history of delaying the MVP announcement for days or, as in the case this year, for weeks, by which time any recognition the successful player might be afforded has been considerably diluted.

Most Bermudians still regard Cup Match as the biggest and most colourful of all local sporting occasions.

It's a shame those who now run it are falling so woefully short in maintaining the traditional values on which the event's reputation was built.