The Eastern Counties second round has been unofficially cancelled because of the government decision to close the Causeway on Saturday in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto.

Bailey’s Bay were meant to play St David’s at Lord’s, but with the only connection between the island’s mainland and St George’s sealed off to traffic on the day, the match is as good as off.

There has yet to be formal confirmation from the Eastern Counties.

“The Causeway will be closed at 10pm on Friday and all day Saturday,” the Government said.

“The Ministry of Public Works will assess the structure on Sunday, and will look to reopen it once it is deemed safe to do so. We strongly urge everyone to be off the roads by 7pm on Friday to ensure your safety.”

Measures announced by authorities to protect the island’s population from the Category 2 storm also cast a shadow of doubt on the opening round of the Bermuda Cricket Board’s Athene T20 League.

The Sunday matches are scheduled for three venues — Southampton Oval, White Hill Field and PHC Field.

Even if the storm has subsided by then, chances are high the facilities will be in a mess, with wickets unprepared.