Lord’s, St David’s (Cleveland won toss): No result

Confusion surrounded the ending of the Knockout Cup final after both teams refused to take part in a coin toss to decide the outcome of the game yesterday.

With persistent rain bringing a halt to proceedings when Cleveland were preparing to embark on their run chase after Bailey’s Bay had posted 258 for seven in the revised 38 overs, competition rules dictated that a coin toss would decide the outcome of the game, but both sides declined to participate.

Cleveland and Bay wish to share the trophy but with the rules leaving little wriggle room, it is thought that pending the outcome of the umpires’ report, the match will be voided.

Bermuda Cricket Board cricket chairman Steven Douglas refused to be drawn on the result, confirming that no decision would be made until the official report is received.

“I reserve my comment until after all the reports are in and then I can give you an answer,’’ Douglas said.

“I will review their report but at this time there is really nothing I can really say.

“In every competition there are rules. From my knowledge the umpires exercised what the rules were but I can answer everything much clearer once I get the report in. That should be in the next 24 to 48 hours when I get it and then the cricket committee will review it.”

Coaches Gus Logie and Clevie Wade and captains Terryn Fray and Mackih McGowan shared the sentiment that it would have been unfair for a clash between the best sides on island to be decided in such a manner.

“Basically, we decided it’s not in the best interest of either team to actually justify a championship of this nature by a simple toss,’’ said Bay’s Logie.

“Both teams deserve the honour of sharing the championship, outside of not having the opportunity to play the game over.

“At the end of the day, the ball is in the court of the cricket board as to what they want to do, but as far as the teams are concerned, they feel that it's not the way they want to win a championship or even lose a championship. They felt it would be better to share it if that's possible.”

“The rain actually played spoilsport, but I think we gave a good account of ourselves and it could have been a very good game, but unfortunately this is how it is.

“It’s in the best interest of cricket on the island, as well as the fans to leave here feeling at least somewhat satisfied than to be in a situation where emotions flare because of one team losing out because they didn't call right.

“I don't think that's the way we want cricket to be. We spoke about it and we feel as a group, it's the best decision.”

Wade revealed that discussions had taken place between the teams before their decision not to participate in the toss was revealed.

“It’s unfortunate Mother Nature took its course,’’ Wade said.

“Both clubs, Bailey’s Bay and Cleveland, coach Gus Logie and myself have come to an agreement that we decided no flip of the coin.

“We’ve decided to share the trophy, which I think is more than right for the betterment of cricket. We had two of the best teams on the island at the moment and it will be hard losing the game by a flip of a coin, so we decided to split the trophy.

“It’s up to the board to make a decision, but that's how we felt as coaches.”

Bay captain Fray feels that the spirit of the game deserves more than for an important game to be decided on a 50-50.

“We just agreed not to flip the coin and share the trophy out of respect for the game,’’ Fray said.

“We just didn't think it was fair that a team should win or lose through a coin toss. I guess we go down as joint champions, Cleveland and Bailey’s Bay.

“At the end of the day it’s out of our hands because the weather played a part and we probably would have never gotten out there.

“All things being equal, we are happy to share the trophy with Cleveland and vice versa after speaking with their captain and coach. Unfortunately the weather won today and we look forward to the T20 competition now.”

Cleveland captain McGowan was in agreement that the two best teams on island should not be forced to toss a coin for a trophy.

“The teams came together and out of respect for the game we felt that it wasn't good enough for us to end the game that way,’’ McGowan said..

“We are the two best teams in the country and we felt that’s not the way we want one of us to win. It's up to the BCB to decide what they want to do, if they want to put it on a different date or we just split it.”

Before the unexpected ending, Bermuda captain Delray Rawlins again showed he is a class above the rest with a fluent innings of 71 off 46 balls, including seven sixes and two fours.

He was supported by Azende Furbert with 56 and opener Sharye Tavares but their brilliant batting counted for nothing as the rain started to fall.