Cup Match is Bermuda’s biggest sporting event and for many, the most enjoyable holiday, but spectators are longing for a solution to end the draws and have a guaranteed winner. This week, I look at the extenuating facts as to why we have had so many draws in the past and what we can do about improving the game to make it more attractive for the spectators from a marketing standpoint.Bermuda, let’s face it, everybody loves a winner and everyone wants to see a winner every year in Cup Match, but the reality is, that is not going to happen. However, I know that both clubs are doing their best to improve this situation.In the past, Somerset and St.George’s’ executives have extended the time of play on each day of Cup Match in the hope of solving this problem. For a period it worked but then, recently, we have been back to draws again.Last year, I know the two committees met and stipulated that after 50 overs had been bowled a new ball can be introduced, instead of waiting for 75 overs, which was how it was previously. For those that don’t know, a new ball makes a major difference when it comes to getting wickets, which should make an impact on the outcome of the game.There is no secret that many Bermudians would just love to see Cup Match go to overs cricket, but the truth is it simply can’t and it won’t. Maybe I shouldn’t say that, because anything is possible in life. However, Cup Match is without a doubt Bermuda’s biggest sporting tradition and people are more reluctant to make changes to something so important and historic.As a cricket purist, I can’t even conceive how Cup Match could introduce overs as the classic entails two-day cricket and not one-day. Some would say just add the two scores together, but really, is that cricket? Having two one-day games and putting the scores together, that’s surely not the answer to our most prestigious game.The way the game is being played now under the rules that we have, the chances of a win are 50/50. With the game being played over only two days, you are asking your elite cricketers to play one-day style cricket, but in an open game. Truthfully, from a real cricketing sense, that is “gombey cricket”. Open cricket is more of a low risk, stroke player’s game, for the true cricketers. But seriously, to get a win in two days, one team has to play extremely bad in one innings or there has to be some bold declarations.As you know, currently, St.George’s have the cup, so the team who should be dictating the tone and pace of Cup Match is Somerset. I make this claim as they have to bring the game to St.George’s.The big question is whether Jekon Edness, the captain of Somerset, will risk losing his first Cup Match as captain? The reality is, in order for Somerset to win Cup Match they will have to gamble and take chances, but are they prepared to do so? I must admit that last year I saw a different approach from Somerset. They were far more aggressive than in previous years, which made for an entertaining game even though it got rained out.Personally speaking, I would like to see our government and the two clubs come together and declare Saturday a public holiday and make Cup Match three days instead of two. Let’s be real, we would all love another day of Cup Match, especially if it would guarantee a result.As a country, we have to give the people a result and this is the best way. It allows the players to play proper cricket instead of this “swashbuckling” cricket like you often see in 20/20 cricket.On a slightly different note, and keeping with the theme of this year’s classic, Roger Dill, Bermuda’s top umpire will not be available. With Dill unavailable, the big question is who will fill his shoes? Could the new umpire be a deciding factor?Looking at the other umpires around such as Oscar Andrade, Kent Gibbons, Lester Harnett and Steven Douglas, just to name a few, Steven Douglas is without a doubt the most experienced and accomplished.Steven has travelled abroad extensively and represented Bermuda as an umpire on ICC international duty, and is rated highly around the world. However, in recent years, one reason Steven Douglas hasn’t umpired Cup Match is because of the involvement of his son, Chris Douglas, who plays for Somerset.However, St.George’s has put his name forward to be one of the umpires in this year’s classic. Not that we do not have faith in any of the other umpires, because we do. They have all improved and all deserve a chance some day, but with Cup Match being the elite game on the Island, the most proficient umpires should umpire, hence the reason we selected Steven Douglas.We have no doubts about Steven’s integrity as an umpire, and trust that he will maintain his professional standards, if selected.The next mitigating factor is the wicket. What type of wicket will St.George’s produce? Two years ago, the wicket in St.George’s was not up to standard, due to some poor clay.This year, the wicket has been turned over, and resurfaced thanks to the hard work of groundsman Clayton Raynor.St.George’s have two wickets to choose from. The first two trial matches were played on what is considered the Cup Match wicket, and as you can see runs were scored in both games, thus showing the good quality of the track.The final trial will be played on the second wicket, which is right next to the Cup Match wicket. This strip has a little more grass, which should offer the bowlers a bit more assistance. Depending on how the wicket plays in the final trial will depend on which one we use. The wicket we choose could impact which bowlers we select, as you want to choose bowlers who can exploit a wicket.One thing for sure is you want a wicket that is good to bat on, but one that also assists your bowlers, as you have to bowl the opposing team out twice.This year, as you may have noticed, I have started early talking about Cup Match. Quite simply, this is because Cup Match, for most Bermudians, is the highlight of the summer. I want to use this time to encourage everyone to come to the game, wear your colours, get ribbons for your cars, and keep these traditions going strong.I want to encourage the clubs to market the game more, thus encouraging the spectators to come to the game.One consideration would be to have a bowl-off at lunchtime for prizes. Tell spectators to keep their tickets and listen for their number at the beginning of lunch. If their number is called, they come to the middle of the field. Set up three stumps and each person bowls three balls. Whoever hits the stumps the most wins a travel voucher; the other people win signed shirts from the Cup Match players, or caps.Another idea would be to find time, about 15 minutes before and/or 15 minutes after the game, for people to have pictures taken with their favourite player/ players. The players could also sign autographs during that period. The game is one thing, but we must do more to attract the people.Cup Match is, and will always be, Bermuda’s most entertaining holiday.We all have a part to play, but remember the game is played on the field. Yes, there are several factors that help to decide the outcome, but the onus is on the players to play the game to the best of their ability and to entertain the crowd. Let Cup Match be the winner. All I can say is, you better plan to be at Wellington Oval this year, because there will be a winner.