Noisy late night parties at Somerset Cricket Club look like they could become a thing of the past following the club's Cup Match row with families.

President Richard Scott yesterday refused to budge on the decision to block residents' views of the pitch by erecting a stand in front of their homes — and ending what they describe as decades of tradition.

But after conceding that neighbours have many functions and concerts to contend with throughout the year, Mr. Scott agreed the club would consider scrapping them.

Residents had complained in yesterday's Bermuda Sun that the club let them watch the game from their homes as a goodwill gesture to make up for round-the-year inconveniences.

They say it has become a tradition for families to gather outside their properties and drink, while the sight of some of their homes dressed in Somerset red and blue has become a well recognised Cup Match visual.

Protesters, who have handed in a petition of more than 20 names, have been further angered by the club's refusal to discuss the matter until after Cup Match.

Mr. Scott told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "They are exactly right — we have events. It's an active club and they are very accommodating. It's not that we are refusing to meet with them. We just don't have the time at this stage to settle issues. Let's get past Cup Match, then let's discuss the issues.

"If it means we curtail parties because it's disruptive, then we will give consideration to that."

Mr. Scott said some residents take advantage of the concerts by staging simultaneous private parties of their own.

One of the residents, Terry Smith, told this newspaper: "Throughout the year, we have a lot to contend with by being neighbours of Somerset Cricket Club.

"When there's football games going on, some of the elderly residents have to shut their windows. The guys clamber over their roofs. We have never called the Police at 12 a.m. and asked for them to tell people to be quiet.

"It feels like a slap in the face that we won't be able to watch Cup Match from our home. It's not the spirit of Cup Match.

"We've got to the point where we won't be sitting back any more. We won't tolerate what goes on."

Neighbour Gracelyn Guishard said: "I'm not a vicious person, but this is just unfortunate. We have people who come here from St. George's, and we go there when Cup Match is there.

"We have been doing this for over 50 years and it's been taken away."

Another protester, Ed Harris, said: "Cup Match is a family event. It was started as a family event. They have taken that away and it's all because of money and greed."

The stand is being sponsored by Bank of Bermuda. Mr. Scott says the extra cash will help improve the Cup Match experience for everyone, including televising the event for free.

Mr. Scott said in years gone by other residents used to be able to watch Cup Match from their homes, but the erection of stands had also rendered that impossible for them.

He added: "All we are trying to do is make progress. It's not our intention to make anybody feel disrespected.

"I know some of the residents are not happy, but we are trying to serve the entire community for those two days."