Barbados: BCL's Mapp In Trouble (6 Aug 1998)

i6 August 1998

BCL's Mapp In Trouble

by Philip Spooner

THE Barbados Cricket League (BCL), so often off course, thought they had it all mapped out this season.

But their buoyant form in the current Courts/Suzuki Division 1 competition could come to naught.

That's because what seems to be an unintentional error in the selection of all-rounder Geoffrey Mapp could see them losing any points gained from their fourth series match against United Carlton which ends this Saturday at Black Rock.

Thanks to the experienced Mapp's 62 and four wickets, the struggling BCL are in with a chance of gaining first innings lead over the hosts.

Over the last couple of days, it was discovered that Mapp, a Police sergeant and former Division 1 representative for the lawmen, played in the Barbados Fire & Commercial Shield competition for Division 2 side Maxwell against Her Majesty's Prison Officers on May 31.

Mapp had also played for Maxwell in the BCL competition and therefore made himself available for selection in the Division 1 side.

Section 17 of the Barbados Cricket Association Special Conditions and Regulations of Play states in part: "No player taking part in any match in any competition shall play for more than one club during any season."

When contacted yesterday, Carlton captain Shirley Clarke said his team planned to protest on Saturday with the hope of getting maximum points.

"We will go ahead with the protest. I plan to draw it to the umpires' attention and have them deal with the matter," Clarke said.

BCL president Owen Estwick said he was unaware of Mapp's inclusion in Maxwell's side for another competition when he was selected to represent the BCL.

"I was surprised when I heard the news. What happened occurred out of blind ignorance. We were not aware that Mapp played for another team this year," Estwick told NATIONSPORT.

"I hope, however, that the public does not think the BCL was trying to pull a fast one. We select our team based on the criteria of: (a) registered member of a BCL team, (b) Players who have played BCL cricket, and (c) those who have practised and made themselves available for selection."

Carlton secretary Ikins Clarke said yesterday: "Ignorance is no excuse. They made an error and they might have to pay."

Source :: The Barbados Nation (https://www.nationnews.com/)