There was still no official word yesterday on the appointment of umpires to officiate in this year's Cup Match classic at Wellington Oval.

It was learned earlier this week that Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) had held discussions with the two respective Cup Match clubs as well as Ministry of Education and Sports officials in a combined effort to resolve any fallout from the previous year, when, for the first time in the classic's history, overseas umpires were hired to officiate the match.

In the aftermath of the on-field shenanigans that took place at Wellington Oval during the 2005 classic, Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) and the two Cup Match clubs decided it was best to look overseas as a means of avoiding such distasteful scenes last year.

The 2005 classic in the East End, which saw hosts St.George's record a narrow 21-run victory, was marred when players from opposing sides had to be separated on two occasions after tempers flared and St.George's colt George O'Brien jr landed a blow to the helmet of Somerset batsman Stephen Outerbridge, who allegedly spat at the temperamental fast bowler.

Sources told The Royal Gazette that BCUA management had strongly rejected the two club's proposal to have local umpire Roger Dill assisted by overseas umpires for this year's classic as they felt the association has within its membership "qualified and competent umpires" equipped to officiate in Bermuda's premier cricket spectacle.

And there are also claims that the two Cup Match club's application for work permits that would've enabled overseas umpires to again officiate in the classic were reportedly denied by Bermuda Immigration.

Although The Royal Gazette has yet to receive confirmation, sources claim the two Cup Match clubs were attempting to secure the services of Englishman Mervyn Kitchen and former West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd to officiate in this year's match in the East End.

Kitchen and compatriot David Shepherd became the first overseas umpires to officiate in the 105-year history of Cup Match last year at Somerset Cricket Club, while the legendary Lloyd served in the capacity as match referee.

For the second straight day calls made to Cup Match clubs Somerset and St.George's were not returned, as proved to be the case with Sports Minister Randy Horton and Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess.

"We (at the Ministry) don't discuss any information on work permits except with the applicants themselves in any area. This is something we simply do not do, and so I certainly cannot offer any comment on the matter," permanent secretary for Labour and Immigration Robert Horton told The Royal Gazette.

Meanwhile, one Cup Match cricketer, who spoke under condition of anonymity, yesterday backed the two Cup Match club's efforts to invite overseas umpires to the Island to officiate in next month's match as he feels local umpires have become biased towards particular individuals over the years.

"The players have lost all confidence in local umpires because they seem to favour certain players. You can appeal all you like against certain players, but they are not going to give a decision against them," he argued.

"And it's very unfortunate when something like this occurs in Cup Match because there's just so much more at stake. Therefore, I think it's a good idea to bring in overseas umpires who are not going to be biased and will make calls as they see fit regardless of who is batting."