The reprimands of Bermuda cricket captain Clay Smith and veteran spinner Dwayne Leverock have now tainted the Island’s record-breaking Intercontinental Cup “winning draw” against the Netherlands in South Africa last week.

The pair, who pleaded guilty to charges against them, were reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for committing a Level One offence (showing dissent) during last week’s four-day contest against the Dutch.

And they could now face further disciplinary action from Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) upon their return to the Island early next month.

Smith was charged for on-field behaviour while Leverock was found to have expressed disagreement by words and gestures after being given out leg before by the umpire and then banged his bat in the team’s dressing room.

“I can’t comment at length on this particular matter at this time. But it will be discussed at Board level,” stated BCB first vice president Gary Fray yesterday.

“Not only is the Board disappointed by the players’ actions, but the country as a whole should be as well.”

The penalties for Level One offences range from an official reprimand and/or a fine up to the equivalent of 50 percent of a player’s match fee. Mike Procter, the ICC match referee who adjudicated at the player’s hearing, said “respect” for the game and for decisions made by the umpires are the bedrock on which the great sport is built.

“It is important that all players realise this and behave accordingly,” Proctor added. “This was pressed to both players during the hearing and I trust there will be no repeat of such incidents.”

Smith and Leverock are senior members of Bermuda’s national cricket team, and central to the Island’s 2007 World Cup bid.

Smith topped the ICC Intercontinental Cup batting averages last year (120.33 runs per innings) while Leverock claimed the most wickets (18) at a cost of 19.66 runs per wicket and a best performance of 6-16 against Cayman Islands at the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club in Ontario.

Bermuda, meanwhile, were scheduled to attend a High Performance Camp today in Pretoria along with Holland and Canada.

The Island’s national cricket team then take on the Canadians tomorrow in a match they must win in order to keep their chances of qualifying for the finals of an ongoing tri-angular series also involving Holland and the Americas regional rivals Canada.