Sandys Spartans captain Kamau Leverock’s kicking of the stumps after being given out on Saturday could have a monetary cost for the all-rounder.

Seemingly on his way to a half-century against Smith’s Sixers, Leverock was adjudged caught behind by Okera Bascome off the bowling of Allan Douglas Jr. Whether in disagreement with the decision or disappointed at his failure to perform, Leverock gave a subtle boot to the stumps.

While his actions may not have been picked up by spectators around the ground, the wickets’ flashing lights and evidence from photographers offered undeniable proof that the stumps had been disturbed.

Bermuda Smash Invitational organisers reserved comment on the situation pending further investigation into the incident.

Dore making waves

Alex Dore took his chance to show his quality to the local cricket community and lay down an early Cup Match marker for Somerset.

Dore was a model of consistency with the bat throughout the event and a prime contender for players of the series.

Heading into the final the left-hander had scored three half-centuries, had the highest aggregate runs (205), the second-best scoring average (68.33) and had hit the most boundaries (16)

Asked if he was sending a message to the selectors in the West End, Dore was hopeful he had made a big impression.

“I’m not in control of that, but I hope they are watching,” Dore said.

“I’m just trying to showcase my talent, that’s all.”

North Field pitch stands up well to extended use

After being a bane of contention in previous years as to its fitness for play, the wicket at North Field appears to be coming into its own.

Given weeks of hard work and expert attention from groundsmen Paul Carr and Richard Foggo, the often-maligned surface stood up well under several days of continual use.

Offering pace, bounce and degrees of turn, few complained of demons in the pitch.

“It’s held up like I wanted it to, but it’s taken a lot of work to get it to bind,” said Carr, taking a break ahead of the final.

It takes a lot of watering to get density into it and compress. It takes a lot of water, a lot of attention and a lot of prayer before the tournament that it doesn’t rain.

“This wicket has come a long way from where it was before and what I would like to see happen now is to have cricket continue to be played on it.

“It would be great to get a league team up here playing every week as that’s how it will be able to create and maintain consistent bounce and overall performance.

Scenes of Cup Match

The tournament featured scenes reminiscent of Cup Match with spectators running on to the field to decorate Onias Bascome after he scored a half-century during the final with a driven boundary.

Disappointingly, Bascome failed to add to his 50-run total after being feted, falling the next ball to seamer Abdul Salam and having to make the trek back to the players’ tent.

It was Bascome’s third score of 50 or more at the event.

BSI Future proofing

It was not only the senior players able to perform in front of an enraptured final-day crowd at North Field as a bevy of local youngsters had the chance to demonstrate their cricketing talents as part of the events “Future Proofing” component.

The skills and drills event was designed to provide an opportunity to groom the next generations of cricketers as a means of ensuring longevity of the event and the sport in general.

Players and coaches gave of their time and expertise to the excitedly energetic, wide-eyed youngsters between Sunday’s matches.

Livewires and Wopewet give impromptu live performances

The BSI event was briefly turned into a music concert prior to the final match, when popular Bermudian reggae artist Arijahknow LiveWires and vocalist Keneh Wopewet gave spirited and well-received performances of self-penned songs and covers next to the VIP and hospitality tents.

Among the offerings was Livewires smash hit Reggae Highway, while Wopewet gave a rendition of his popular Bermuda Love song.

A fan of cricket and his community, LiveWires displayed his allegiance in wearing a Pembroke Panthers jersey as he entertained the crowd.

“I represent Pembroke,” said LiveWires, proudly exposing his shirt’s insignia.

“And that’s Friswell’s Hill, Curving Avenue, Bishop Spencer. I played for Boulevard Blazers, so that’s the area that raised me and the area I support.”

A sea of pop-ups and revelry

In what is a believed first for a cricket match held at North Field all 10 x 10 tent plots were sold out for the final as the field’s circumference provided a sea of colourful pop-up tents.

Flashes of sparks and flames, scoreboard graphics and the requisite blaring soca/reggae music mixes signified significant moments, be it a wicket, six, boundary or break in action.

Any sporting celebration would not be complete without the requisite food and beverage and BSI attendees did not skimp. Players and staff, VIPs and special guests were treated to daily traditional summer offerings of fish, chicken and sides from local caterer Sensational Delights.

Come to Barbados

Guest international player Raymon Reifer, of Barbados and West Indies fame, was grateful for his invite and pointedly asked Bermuda residents to venture south to his home for the impending T20 World Cup.

“I’d like to invite people to come to Barbados and be a part of the World Cup,” said the all-rounder, whose participation at BSI was funded by Barbados Tourism Investment Inc, a Barbados government quango.