The 40-Over Knockout Cup final ended in anticlimactic fashion on Sunday after Somerset Cricket Club were unable to field a team against rivals St George’s Cricket Club at Wellington Oval.
What was billed as a marquee showdown between Bermuda's two historic Cup Match adversaries failed to bowl a single delivery, with Somerset confirming they could not assemble the required eleven players to contest the silverware.
As a result of the forfeit, hosts St George's were officially awarded the match and crowned Knockout Cup champions by default, denying the Wellington Oval crowd the opportunity to witness a competitive showpiece finale.
The walkover marks a disappointing conclusion to the domestic knockout campaign, leaving questions for Somerset over squad availability at the business end of the season while handing the East Enders a silverware triumph without having to take the field.
Somerset Cricket Club’s Coach Janeiro Tucker said, “Let's see the record straight.
The biggest issues facing Bermuda Cricket is leadership and consistency.
Too often, decisions appear to be made based on who is asking rather than on a clear set of rules. Somerset has repeatedly seen matches rescheduled when other teams were unavailable, yet when similar circumstances affect Somerset, flexibility seems to disappear.
The Final was scheduled for September 12th, only to be changed on September 10th via an email from BCB. Players had already arranged work schedules, changed travel plans, and committed to other obligations. One player even had an exam on the new match date. Yet the attitude appeared to be simple: play when told or face the consequences.
Rules and standards should apply equally to everyone. If postponement are permitted for one club, they should be permitted to all clubs under the same circumstances. Clubs and players deserve certainty, not weekly changes and inconsistent decisions.
Somerset Cricket Club took a stand because enough is enough.
The constant shifting of schedules and lack of consistency is hurting the game. If Bermuda Cricket is to move forward , it needs transparent leadership, accountability and decisions that put the interest ahead of personal agendas.”
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