Angry umpires who alleged that they were "threatened and pushed'' after a cricket match on July 11 have been bowled a bumper by the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

The claims against Willow Cuts' player-coach Rodney Fubler and a number of abusive players have been dismissed because the umpires failed to appear before a disciplinary committee hearing to support their gripes.

Board president Elvin James this week confirmed that the governing body was left with no alternative but to throw out the case after the umpires failed to show up before the committee.

Incredibly, one of the umpires involved was Wilbur Pitcher, president of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association. The other umpire, Maxwell Curtis, was at the centre of the controversy that led to the hearing.

Reportedly Willow Cuts showed up in force to defend themselves against the claims.

"There was simply no case to answer. We have disciplinary meetings and if the accusers don't show, then what alternative is left other than to throw the case out?'' asked James.

"We certainly cannot arrange another meeting, we have other matters to deal with and if that case wasn't settled during the time we set aside for it then there is no reason to pursue it any further. It's easy to see who is at fault in this case isn't it?'' Officials of the BCUA could not be reached for comment.

The alleged incident occurred during a Premier Division game at Somerset between Willow Cuts and St. George's a month ago.

Umpires Curtis, Pitcher and George Francis -- who only showed up at the venue after finishing a game at nearby White Hill field -- alleged that they were "abused and pushed'' by Cuts team officials and players following a dispute on the field after Curtis had called a no-ball when Cuts were fielding because they had insufficient players inside the circle.

Veteran Wendell Smith gave a catch but was ruled not out because of the no-ball.

Pitcher, commenting of the dressing room chaos, said at the time: "It was a terrible incident, it was disgusting and it involved both their coach and players.'' But Willow Cuts hit back at the accusations and labelled them nothing but "a lot of bull'', according to vice-president Rudolph (Buckwoods) Simons. "It's unfair to label us as bad boys, nobody pushed at or shoved Curtis although many who watched the game agreed that he was biased towards St. George's,'' said Simons.

The Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association have long been dissatisfied with the manner in which disciplinary matters have been handled in the Island but they have admitted that progress has been made at eradicating problems since James came in as president.

James said he was certain the decision to throw out this recent case would not ruin their good working relationship.

"In actual fact, it really could have been a mix-up through communication problems that led to their failure to appear at this meeting, but our committee had to do what was right under the circumstances,'' said James.

"I don't think this will affect our relationship, they have a new president and secretary and we will try our best to assist them as they press forward to accomplish goals that will do nothing but benefit this lovely sport called cricket that we all love.''