Changes planned to Bermuda's big match

Major changes are being proposed to Bermuda's annual match between St. George's and Somerset after last year's encounter was marred by disgraceful scenes, with scuffles and allegations of abuse.

The Royal Gazette reported that the Bermuda Cricket Board was negotiating with both clubs with a view to imposing a number of measures to ensure that this year's game goes ahead without incident. The moves are believed to include the appointment of neutral umpires and a BCB-nominated match referee.

Historically, the BCB has always kept its distance from the fixture, and that is still its intention. "I want to take this opportunity to reinforce the point that in no respect does the BCB wish to get involved in the running of cup match, which the clubs have organised successfully for many years," Reggie Pearman, the BCB president, told the newspaper. "But everyone is aware that there were issues that materialised last year during the match and the BCB has met with both Somerset and St. George's regarding those events.

"The BCB has contacted both clubs and we expect to meet with the presidents of each in the near future. Once the process has been completed the board expects to release a combined statement."

A spokesman for Somerset said that the BCB's request had been received but had not yet been discussed by the club's committee.