Queen's Park gets washed out (23 August 1999)

23 August 1999

Queen's Park gets washed out

Philip Hackett

What promised to be a highly competitive final was spoilt by rain at Queen's Park yesterday.

Seepage through the covers damaged the pitch to such an extent that, much to the disappointment of players and spectators, play was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Pine Hill St. John Cultural's reply to Carib Conrad Hunte's 183 for eight off 35 overs

"I feel it would have been a good game," St. John Cultural's captain Michael Moore told NATIONSPORT.

"I don't think it would have been good to play after the leakage. Covering of the wickets should be better. Even during the youth tournament (Nortel) we had this problem," Moore said.

Conrad Hunte captain Peter Headley was also disappointed about the abandonment though recognising that it was a good decision to call it off. He was more concerned however, about the conditions at Queen's Park which were not entirely to his liking.

"I don't think this is the best facility. Our supporters got wet when the rain fell and were not let into the pavilion," Headley said.

Headley also complained that the grass on the outfield was too tall and should have been cut in preparation for such an important match.

The Conrad Hunte captain would also have liked to have seen umpires with first class status appointed for the match.

"Not that I had a problem with the umpires but it is a major final and there should have been first class umpires," he said.

Acting president of the Barbados Cricket Association Charles Griffith remains convinced that Queen's Park is a suitable venue.

"I still think this is an ideal place to hold the final. We want to maintain the true country atmosphere especially considering the two teams are from the country," he said.

Chairman of the organising committee Wendell Kellman said that it may be necessary to revise the existing rules to make provision for a second day in the event of rain. He expressed the view that the final should be rescheduled so it can be completed before the start of the cup competition.

"The crowd spirit was high and we were all looking forward to an excellent game. We don't want to lose much time and minimise the interest shown so far," he said.

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