Southampton Rangers? coaching committee chairman Rick Richardson is up in arms following Bermuda Football Association?s ?arbitrary? decision to postpone tomorrow?s Premier Division clash involving his club and Devonshire Colts.

The contest has been put back until November 23 following Colts? refusal to have the match played at 2 p.m.

Somerset Bridge Recreation Club officials informed Colts, who share the ground with Somerset Eagles, that their venue would also host another event later the same day, thus prompting BFA officials to the call match off.

This, however, has infuriated Richardson who believes the match could have still been played.

?It?s quite absurd! We are extremely disappointed and angry over these arbitrary decisions by the BFA? he said.

?It is hard to believe that a schedule is devised and a couple of days before a match the BFA is telephoning our coaches to say the match will not be played. I am told that Devonshire Colts refused to play at 2 p.m. Why? It seems also that certain teams can decide when and if they are going to play a match.

?But let?s see what happens in the future. Can we expect the same consideration for something trivial and absolutely outside the realm of football.

?Suppose Rangers planned a cultural festival on the same day of their home game against Colts . . . will the BFA accept the fact our football team will not be able to play as the field is unavailable? But that?s what?s happening in the game today.?

Richardson suggested that an Under-17 match, which is scheduled to take place at Southampton Oval tomorrow, could have been switched to White Hill Field, allowing Rangers and Colts to do battle following the First Division clash between PHC Zebras and Ireland Rangers at the same venue.

?It is deemed inappropriate to switch a junior game from the Oval, but quite acceptable to tell senior players that they will wait a few weeks before their match is played. This is not about winning or losing, it?s about principle,? Richardson said.

He added: ?Our players are extremely disappointed. They are bemused and confused. There are strict guidelines on the one hand and arbitrary decisions on the other. I was told ?Colts have the right to refuse to play? and I for one will remember that!?

Meanwhile, the match at Lord?s featuring Hamilton Parish and Boulevard will be the sole Premier Division clash tomorrow. The remaining matches, involving Devonshire Cougars and Eagles and Dandy Town and North Village, were postponed to allow Cougars and Village, next week?s Martonmere Cup finalists, ample time to rest up ahead of their showdown on the carpet.

In First Division action, Somerset Trojans and PHC Zebras should continue their push for a swift return to top flight football.

Trojans and Zebras, two of the Island?s most decorated clubs, presently top the standings with ten points apiece, but Dennis Brown?s side have a far superior goal average thanks largely to last Sunday?s extraordinary 20-0 win over perennial bottom dwellers Social Club.

Trojans travel to Wellington Oval to take on a St.George?s side who suffered their first loss of the season during their previous outing against Ireland Rangers. Zebras, meanwhile, are at home to Clyde Best-led Rangers at Southampton Oval.

Elsewhere, winless Wolves and Prospect will resume their search for a first league win of the season when they meet at Devonshire Rec., while St.David?s will be idle following yesterday?s decision by opponents Social Club to quit the league.