for some severe criticism from former Somerset Cup Match fast bowler George (Friday) Bremar.

The veteran called the conduct of Smith and his players "deplorable and embarrassing'' and accused them of "dirty tactics'' during last week's two-day classic.

Smith has already been publicly criticised for the field placements he used in his team's defeat, but Bremar's comments were concentrated on their conduct on the field of play, primarily while Somerset chased their winning target of 252 on the second day.

"The behaviour of the St. George's players was deplorable. Their captain didn't show any leadership and the team had no respect for their opponents, the umpires or the fans. Surely their own club officials must have been embarrassed by their behaviour,'' said Bremar.

The veteran player spent much of the time in the section reserved for tourists, proudly explaining the finer points of the sport of cricket to the visitors who had troubled comprehending the many rules.

But he said he was lucky to have been away from them when the game deteriorated with numerous appeals to the umpires by St. George's players.

"I'm glad they didn't act up when I was in the tourism camp explaining the game. I would have been so embarrassed. The players showed no real respect for anybody,'' he said.

"They must learn to respect the umpires in particular, that whether the officials are right or wrong their decisions should be accepted. When they carry on like they did against a decision they only incite the fans, giving the fans the impression that the umpires are cheating ... and this can disrupt the game and lead to real trouble.'' Bremar said Smith did a poor job as a leader in his rookie year at the helm.

One area he focused on was Smith's performace on the second day, when Somerset were batting. Radio commentator Randy Horton had called them "stalling tactics'' but Bremar's choice of words were even harsher.

"There were dirty tactics used by St. George's, and the umpires have to start getting the teams together before the game and advise that they are not going to tolerate such nonsense. If they take this step then they will avoid a lot of controversey,'' he said.

"To Clay Smith, I say that a good captain and leader becomes a master of his game. He has to think what he did and remember that the main word is discipline. If you show it the rest of the team will follow, that's a leader.

"To the St. George's players I say that if you keep going with the swift mentality it will be a long time before you get anywhere in whatever cricket you play.'' Bremar also critised Somerset's behavior, notably when an appeal against Wendell Smith being caught was turned down by umpire Dennis Raynor.

"I didn't like the way a few of the Somerset players acted up. If anybody acted up they should have let their opponents do it, then Somerset would have had a clear sheet for the entire game,'' said Bremar.

Bremar offered "four words'' of wisdom for Smith and the St. George's team: Application, dedication, respect and common sense.

"They showed none of these, they weren't very professional at all,'' he said.

George Bremar