Clubs express T20 concerns to BCB
Only eight clubs were represented when the Bermuda Cricket Board met with affiliates on Monday night at Warwick Workman’s Club to discuss the Lindo’s T20 Tournament which has been halted over concerns about playing with a red ball at night.The clubs and the BCB’s Competitions Committee put ideas on the table to address issues surrounding the tournament which was halted after just two matches over safety fears of playing with white clothing and red balls. The scheduling of midweek games to start at 6.15pm in Somerset also raised concerns.“They are looking to move the games from that time slot and we were looking for Saturdays and they are supposed to get back to us and see what we can do,” said one club representative.“We were suggesting starting early on a Saturday and getting two games in. They were saying that playing on Saturdays is a challenge with the County Games. The voice was definitely sent back to the Board.“It was a lot of good ideas coming from the clubs — but only eight clubs represented — and what we’re telling them is there is no way that we can play with a red ball or pink ball. They were still adamant about starting at 6.15 and we’re telling them that 6.15 is not an ideal time. The committee was weak in ideas.”The clubs in attendance included Bailey’s Bay, Southampton Rangers, Devonshire Rec, Somerset, St George’s and Warwick who withdrew from the competition prior to the start over some concerns.After the first week, the BCB suspended matches scheduled for last week at Somerset and Devonshire Rec. while the tournament format was looked into.Also at the meeting on Monday night, that lasted about 90 minutes, the idea was thrown about appointing match referees for league matches, following the controversy at White Hill on Sunday in the top match between Willow Cuts and Bailey’s Bay.“We talked about what’s going wrong with cricket and that match referees are required,” said the representative. “We need match referees to look at these situations and if the clubs have to pay a little extra then so be it, until discipline comes back into the game.”Two County matches will be held on Saturday when the one-off Central Counties clash between Devonshire Rec and holders Western Stars is played at the Rec. They are the only two teams remaining in the Central Counties following the withdrawal of Young Men’s Social Club.The first round of the Western Counties is also scheduled, with Willow Cuts taking on Southampton Rangers at White Hill Field.