were curtailed by an unwelcome outburst by Mother Nature as the clouds opened up, making for a water-logged pitch at Somerset Cricket Club.

Defending champions Boulevard were supposed to face Vasco in the feature match while Wolves and Devonshire Colts would have contested the curtain-raiser.

Field operators, however, called the match late yesterday morning after inspecting the grounds and rescheduled the games for tomorrow night at the same venue.

"I could give several reasons (for cancelling the game), but the main reason was for the safety of the players,'' said Bermuda Football Association (BFA) second vice-president Elroy Ratteray. "The weather was bad and it made sense to call it.'' Nevertheless, a number of soccer fans voiced their displeasure to a The Royal Gazette reporter on being denied a Sunday outing, saying that the BFA needed to stop "pampering'' players and have them experience play in less than desirable conditions.

"I've watched Dutch soccer played in minus three degrees with snow and a frozen pitch and here we get a little drop of rain and they call the game,'' said one irate fan. "I think it's all about money.'' When questioned whether the prospect of a sub-par crowd and lower financial intake played a role in the decision, Ratteray steadfastly rejected the notion.

"No! Not at all...the main reason was player safety.'' Still others noted how American football was played often in blizzard conditions while yesterday's temperature was around 70 degrees.

Adding to the argument was the fact that field hockey was still played at National Sports Club yesterday although harness racing at Vesey Street was postponed.