St. David's captain Clay Smith has been banned for three games by his club, and veteran batsman Allen Richardson faces a two game suspension, following their conduct during the team's loss to new league champions Southampton Rangers on Sunday.

A player code-of-conduct established by St. David's does not allow for dissent to be shown at umpires' decisions.

Smith reacted angrily when given out lbw by umpire Colin Blades after stepping out of his crease to a delivery from Janeiro Tucker.

And Richardson, vocal from the clubhouse in his displeasure with Blades' decision, also landed in hot water. Both players could also be reported by Blades, who sits on Bermuda Cricket Board of Control's disciplinary committee.

Even so, Richardson continued his criticism of Blades in a Letter to the Editor yesterday (see Page 25). He also came out in defence of his captain, whom he claims is often misunderstood, and urged the Board to resolve their dispute with the official umpires as quickly as possible.

"No one will ever be able to convince me that a player can be given out lbw when he is 12 feet down the wicket,'' Richardson wrote of Smith's dismissal.

"I measured the distance after the match just to solidify my point.'' Richardson said he had high regard for Blades as a former Bermuda captain and now commentator of the game.

"And this is why I was so extremely annoyed at the decision, because I have him in the highest respect as a player,'' said Richardson.

"I rank him among Dennis Wainwright, Eldon Raynor, Lloyd James when it comes to deportment, and this is what really annoyed me about this whole situation.

Added Richardson: "For the calibre of player he (Blades) used to be, that's what took me by surprise. He is too knowledgeable and has played too many games to make a decision like that.

"Every time there are disciplinary problems it is spread all over the papers, but when we have people umpiring who are not up to par, there is no avenue to express that.

"If we had a forum and had some way of sharing some things with the Board and umpires' association, maybe that would help.'' Smith, who missed last year's Red Stripe Bowl in the Caribbean because of a suspension, has ended this season with another ban, which may also put his participation in Jamaica in jeopardy if the Board take the matter further.

"He's a keen competitor and particularly when you're on the sidelines looking in it may appear he is being rude,'' said Richardson in defence of his captain.

"I used to think the same way until I actually played with him and got to know him. When guys are battling it out on the field, once they are off the field they are entirely different and back to being friends.'' The loss of Smith and Richardson, plus Chris Foggo who has returned to school, will hurt St. David's in their final matches of the season as they try to finish in the top four and qualify for Camel Cup for the second time.

They have two matches remaining against Willow Cuts and St. George's and are in a three-way tie with St. George's and Bailey's Bay with two places at stake. St. David's are also in the Champion of Champions competition.

Banned! St. David's pair Allen Richardson (left) and captain Clay Smith have been suspended for two and three matches respectively following their conduct during Sunday's league match against Southampton Rangers.