Cal Blankendal, the chairman of the Leagues and Competitions committee, has defended the Bermuda Football Association’s decision to postpone FA Cup Final day at the National Sports Centre yesterday.

The matches were called off at about 12.30pm after a heavy downpour delayed the start of the Player Development League final between Dandy Town and BAA Wanderers.

However, the conditions cleared up almost immediately and by 2pm the sun was out.

Blankendal insisted that it was the best decision at the time, with the safety of the players and spectators the main consideration.

“It was a thunderstorm and lightning that was supposed to continue into the evening, so it was a precautionary measure with safety for the public, especially at the National Sports Centre which is so open,” Blankendal said.

By 1.30pm, the rain had stopped and the conditions had improved. “You make a decision at a particular time and at that time it was the best thing to do,” he said.

“The difference this time is we had three matches to play. If it was one match, we could have waited longer [before making the decision].

“We called it off at about 12.30 and at that time the first game hadn’t started because it was a heavy downpour. We checked the weather report to see what it would be for the rest of the day and it said there was a thunderstorm watch.

“For a match such as the FA Cup Final, you have to mobilise security and police. We looked at it from a revenue standpoint as well and, in the best interests of everybody, we decided to delay it.

“We try to give everybody the opportunity to play at the National Sports Centre in front of a decent crowd, although we know the early match may not attract as many spectators. It still allows the young men who are trying to get into the Premier Division to get the experience of playing at the National Sports Centre.”

Attempts will be made to reschedule the matches for next Sunday, depending on availability of the venue, Blankendal added.

“Now the teams have an extra week to train and come out and put in a good performance for the fans,” he said. “Hopefully, people will be more eager now to come out to watch the game.”

Ralph Bean Jr, the North Village Rams coach, who is hoping to win his first title since he took over, accepted the decision to postpone the match.

“The people that make the call to cancel games have to look at a criteria in which they can make that decision,” Bean said. “If that’s what the call was from a technical standpoint, then we have to live with it.

“The weather is always a factor when it comes to having good crowds. This may have been a good decision in that, hopefully, the final can be held on a good day, when the weather is fine and people will come out to support the teams.”

Town are looking to finish the season with three trophies, having already won the Dudley Eve Trophy and league title.