Carisbrook security 'heavy-handed' claim fans

The Otago Cricket Association (OCA) has denied claims that security was heavy-handed during Wednesday's one-dayer between New Zealand and South Africa at Dunedin. The problems arose with the way that the security guards dealt with people bringing alcohol into the ground.

"There always seem to be some complaints but, overall, we thought security did an excellent job," Graham Elliot, president of the OCA, told reporters. "But we had a blanket rule in place and we also advertised that no liquids would be allowed into the game.

"I understand there were several instances where security were a bit heavy-handed. But it is very difficult when you've got this large number of security staff. You try to give people discretion, but it is sometimes difficult to get common sense."

The Otago Daily Times carried reports from disgruntled spectators. "I stood and watched for a while and it seemed to me, every time someone was trying to have a bit of fun, they stifled it," one said. "The guy with a whistle who tried to get a Mexican wave going was told to settle down; I mean, what harm is that doing?"

Another said he was told he could not enter the ground unless he either drank his thermos flask of milky coffee first or tipped it out, because of the ban on liquids. The man said he had gone home instead.

Elliott said that he was unaware of these instances, although he revealed that student ingenuity was alive and well. One group arrived at the game with hollow plastic cricket bats filled with alcohol.

Elliott admitted that he was disappointed with the small crowd, but inisisted that Carisbrook had underlined its claim to be a major venue. "It really proved again what a top-class cricket facility we have," he said. "The New Zealand team love playing here. I think their success here really gives them a psychological edge."