?Far worse things have happened in Cup Match?.

That?s the view of Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) senior executive Allen Richardson who, while not condoning the antics of St.George?s? skipper Herbie Bascome, yesterday insisted the veteran all-rounder still had a vital role to fulfil in local youth cricket.

Richardson?s comments followed a Board announcement this week that Bascome, accused of xenophobic sledging during the summer classic, had been dismissed as Under-19 coach.

Dispelling reports Bascome had been informed ?he couldn?t coach a national side until January 2007?, Richardson told ?That information is incorrect. He?s been relieved of his official title as head coach but is still very much a part of the Board?s youth programme. At this time the Board felt it would be best he did not have the title per se as head coach.?

Richardson confirmed Bascome?s two-year probation would remain in effect and that he had been cleared to continue assisting in various other areas of the national youth programme.

Bascome, who led St.George?s to a narrow 27- run victory over Somerset, found himself at the centre of a row over sledging, which, combined with the on-field shenanigans of colt George O?Brien jr and Stephen Outerbridge, soured this summer?s Cup Match.

Both O?Brien and Outerbridge have also been put on two-year probation for their actions at Wellington Oval, while match fines imposed by their respective clubs were ratified by local cricket?s governing body.

In 1902 the classic was abandoned at Royal Naval Field due to a fight involving opposing teams. Somerset were later declared winners.

Richardson continued: ?Bascome is extremely remorseful as to the proceedings that went on at Cup Match and did stress he would very much like to remain a part of the Board?s youth programme. And far worse things have happened before in Cup Match since its inception.

?But because Herbie gets along extremely well with our youth players and has put many years into our youth programmes, to take him out completely would have been an injustice. I think sometimes we tend to look at one incident which has occurred in someone?s life while all the good they?ve done becomes lost because of one bad decision. But here?s an individual I strongly believe should have a portfolio within Government just to assist with the young people.

?One aspect of our long-term goal is developing the total player from a cricket and social aspect and Herbie is an integral part of that. He gave a presentation last week as to exactly where these young boys are coming from and their social aspects that was well received and that?s why I feel he?s such an important part of our programme.?

In addition to overseeing various BCB youth clinics, Bascome has been head coach of St.George?s Colts senior football team for the past several seasons. The veteran all-rounder also accompanied national youth teams to Barbados and Toronto this summer.

?Herbie has always been very much involved with the youth and up to date with exactly what is going on with our youth within the community,? Richardson added.

As for the classic itself, Richardson described Cup Match as ?very, very sacred?.

?Cup Match is not just another game of cricket. It has a lot of history and I don?t think players today realise the impact of Cup Match and playing in the classic. They are not being taught the history and significance of Cup Match,? he said.

?I can recall whenever I stepped out onto the field it was as though I was stepping into a chapel because of the reverence you had for the match. So I think these are some of things we need to impart to our players of today because a lot of our history and tradition is being lost and people and players are now looking at Cup Match as just another game.?