Cup cricket in Bermuda attracts the attention (4 Aug 1999)
"CUP MATCH" - Mention those words in Bermuda and you are certain to get anyone's attention
02-Aug-1999
2 August 1999
Cup cricket in bermuda attracts the attention
"CUP MATCH" - Mention those words in Bermuda and you are certain to get anyone's attention!
A two-day game is that is not just a cricket match - it is a social event which has become a deeply rooted part of the Bermudian social fabric. It has entwined itself into the way of life of Bermudians so much that the politicians of 1944 had no choice but to make the two days of the match public holidays - where else in the cricketing world is a public holiday declared for a cricket match?
It attracts the cricket lovers who want to see Bermuda's version of an all-star game where the island's best are split into two teams - Somerset representing the western part of the island and St.George representing the east - and it also woos those wanting to catch up with friends who they haven't seen during the year.
People come to the match who don't see a single ball of cricket and are content to do the rounds of the various parties taking place simultaneously around the ground.
There are those who stake their claim for a piece of the outer and sleep overnight at the ground to hold their place.
Expatriate Bermudians fly in to the island from the United States and England just for the match.
Just to emphasise to what extent the event is soaked with history, the hero of this year's game, Janiero Tucker, who is said to be a good young all-rounder, is the grandson of Thomas Simons, the captain of Somerset in the very first match way back in 1902. And his father, John Tucker, a former Bermudian national representative, also captained Somerset in the prestige match.
Janiero's 103 not out in the 1999 version, which finished on Friday (July 30), was the first tonne scored by a Somerset batsman at an St.George venue in Cup Match history.
Somerset had started the match by electing to bat and then capitulating to the fast medium of Herbie Bascombe (52-5) to be skittled for 128. Richard Basden's 32 and 27 from Wade Lavrock comprised the main resistance on a pitch which favoured seam bowling.
National captain Charlie Marshall then led St.George to 315-8 (dec.) with a fine 95. Number seven Lionel Yann weighed in with a Lance Klusener-like 80.
At the end of the first day, St.George was about 265-7.
The nature of the two-day event means captains are under considerable pressure from the public to make sporting declarations.
The highlight of the second day was undoubtedly Tucker's century which was brought up with a cover drive for four. He received support from Peter Basden, who hit 77 in Somerset's rreply of 326-6.
With about 10 overs remaining on the second day, and no potential of a result, both captains agreed to call stumps.
The main feature of the buildup to the match was the controversial omission of national batsman Clay Smith from the St.George Cup team. His exclusion was widely seen as revenge by St.George, still smarting at Smith's move from St.George's league team to St.Davids.
The two teams were:
St.George's - Herbie Bascombe (Captain), Charlie Marshall (v-c), Chris Foggo, Dexter Smith, Mark Ray, Arnold Manders, Dean Minors, Lionel Cann, Gary Brengman, Charlie Trott, Clevie Wade
Somerset - Albert Steede (Captain), Dexter Basden (v-c), Curtis Jackson, Richard Basden, Janeiro Tucker, Irving Romalne, Kwame Tucker, Wendell White, Hasan Durham, Dwayne Laverock, Del Hollis
So how did such a popular tradition have its origins? On August 1, 1894 King William IV declared the emancipation of slaves and suddenly 4,000 Bermudians were given their freedom.
Each year blacks would get together to celebrate their freedom with picnics. As part of this cricket matches would be played by teams representing the two main lodges - St.George's and Somerset.
Eventually the cricket matches outgrew the picnic and finally in 1901 after the usual matches at the picnic it was suggested by the players of that year that the series should be contested for a cup. The 1999 players will compete for the same cup which was bought back in 1902.
Here are current standings and averages for the Premier League
CURRENT PREMIER LEAGUE STANDINGS P W L T NR Pts NRR Southampton 10 9 1 0 0 45 2.47 Bailey's Bay 10 8 2 0 0 40 1.70 Western Stars 9 7 2 0 0 35 2.83 St. Davids 8 7 1 0 0 35 1.98 Willow Cuts 9 6 3 0 0 30 1.56 St. Georges 8 6 2 0 0 30 0.51 Flatts 9 6 3 0 0 30 0.17 Cleveland 9 5 4 0 0 25 0.57 Somerset 10 3 7 0 0 15 -0.66 Somerset Bridge 9 3 6 0 0 15 -1.05 PHC 9 3 6 0 0 15 -1.07 Police 9 3 6 0 0 15 -1.34 Devonshire 9 3 6 0 0 15 -1.50 Warwick 10 0 10 0 0 0 -3.10 Social Club 10 0 10 0 0 0 -4.34 Win = 5 pts Tie = 3 No Result = 0
Top five in batting averages as of July 27, 1999.
NAME INNINGS _NOT OUTs Runs HS 100 50 AVERAGE
Albert Steede 14 5 1152 202 4 7 104.72
Charlie Marshall 13 2 851 151 5 2 77.36
Richard Basden 12 4 552 105 1 5 69.00
Janeiro Tucker 13 3 594 96 0 6 59.40
Lionel Cann 12 5 355 89 0 2 50.71
Top five in bowling averages as of July 27, 1999
NAME OVERS MAIDENS RUNS WICKETS BEST AVERAGE
Kevin Fubler 48.1 13 142 18 5-9 7.88
Dwayne Leverock 112.1 35 289 33 4-20 8.75
Arnold Manders 96.2 25 276 27 5-2 10.22
Ryan Belboda 51.4 9 185 17 6-27 10.88
Eugene Foggo 72.5 13 210 19 4-20 11.05
South African Test batsman, Daryll Cullinan, is in Bermuda coaching at the moment. I asked him a few cliché questions:
(1) What initially encouraged you to speak to Dr. Bacher about requesting a coaching assignment?
A friend and coach of mine, Bob Jones, who coached in Bermuda during the early eighties helped established a strong junior and senior programme. He suggested if I wanted to do some coaching in a country where the enthusiasm and love of the game is strong; Bermuda is the place.
(2) I understand you specifically requested to coach in Bermuda. Is that right and if so what attracted you to Bermuda?
Well, I specifically requested to coach here because of the connection and they were very willing to receive me. The President, Mr Elvin James, is doing tremendous work in improving the enthusiasm and interest in the game, especially amongst the youth. My visit is only the start and he and his Board have exciting plans for the future.
(3) Is it correct that your assignment is two-fold - junior coaching and preparing the national side for the series against Canada and the Red Stripe Cup? Could you outline a typical week? How has your involvement been with the national team?
My involvement has been widespread, from the summer cricket camps to the national side. We agreed that in the two month period it would be difficult to completely change that which needed changing but it is a start in the process of taking Bermuda forward. El James and Allan Douglas are aware of what is needed and what needs to be done, for Bermuda to qualify for the World Cup in the future. At present players are heavily committed to Cup Match fixtures so my involvement has been on a one-on-one basis and team sessions with a lot of emphasis on fielding and fitness. The summer clinics keep me busy in the mornings with senior and club practices in the evenings and keeping an eye on games over the weekend.
(4) Coming from a 'professional' cricket environment, how have you found the cricket culture in Bermuda?
Cricket runs thick in Bermudian blood and is very much part of their lives. Club interest is very strong and the biggest challenge is to develop a stronger national pride and interest. In time this can and will be achieved with full-time dedicated people to take the game beyond being just a wonderful past-time. The resources to achieve a fully professional outfit, respected by the cricketing world, are available and I have seen no reason why Bermuda cannot achieve international status.
(5) What's been the most enjoyable aspect of your assignment?
The friendliness of the Bermudian people and their vocal and great love of the game
(6) What type of media publicity has there been since your arrival?
All aspects of the media have covered my visit.