BERMUDA’S Masters cricket team narrowly missed out on winning another overseas tournament when they suffered a last-over defeat to the England Masters in the West End Masters Tournament in Surrey, England on Sunday. The heart-breaking loss came after the England Masters scored the required 11 runs off the final over bowled by captain Lionel Thomas to win the match by two wickets. Sent in, the Bermuda Masters scored 170 in their 40 overs with Treadwell Gibbons Sr. leading the way with 55, while Clevie Wade stroked 30 and Allen Richardson 14. The England Masters replied with 172-8 to deny the Bermuda team a second title to go with the tournament they won in Antigua last year.

“That was our first loss in two years and in the end there is no way they should have scored those 11 runs,” said Allen Richardson this week, the day after the team’s return home.

“But the guys weren’t disappointed at all. We were so used to winning from last year and this was the first loss we’ve ever had. It was something we had to digest but with the experience of the guys we just took it in stride.”

The tournament was split up into two groups and Bermuda won their group after two wins and a rainout. In their first game they clinched a narrow two-run win over West End Club with Ricky Brangman scoring 95 and Andre Manders 46 in their total of 207. West End replied with 205-8 after needing two runs off the last ball.

The Bermuda Over-45s picked up win number two when they beat Esher Cricket Club by five wickets in a match reduced to 20 overs because of the weather. Esher could only manage 57 and Bermuda replied with 58-7.

The weather, which has put a damper on the Wimbledon tennis, forced Bermuda’s third match against Capel CC to be cancelled, leaving Bermuda to top their group and advance to meet the other group winners, England Masters, in Sunday’s final.

Again the weather played a part as Bermuda batted in damp conditions after being sent in.

“Two things that really went against us was when we batted it was a bit damp and then the sun came out for them for the duration (of their innings),” explained Richardson who was told that this is the rainiest summer England have had in 50 years. Matches started at 2 p.m. and finished after 9.00 p.m. with the rain delays.

“We restricted them but then Clevie had an injury and couldn’t bowl his 10 overs and Ken Pitcher only bowled five. We were restricted in our bowling as Grant (Smith) was nursing a slight pull and didn’t play so our bowling was restricted.” Despite the loss in the final the Bermuda team thoroughly enjoyed the trip, which was made possible by their own fundraising as well as support from sponsors like Flanagans, Wakefield Quin, Jamaican Grill and Aspen Insurance.

“We worked hard to raise funds and we were very pleased with the corporate sponsors. It was an excellent tour, the people were so friendly towards us,” said Richardson.

“The England Masters were shocked that we came to England, even though we told them we would come. They really treated us well.

“We definitely have made friends and are looking at holding a tournament here in Bermuda next year. If we can get some good deals on hotel accommodations I think we can pull it off. Ritchie Richardson (former West Indies captain) came to our second match and was telling us about how he wants us to come back to Antigua to defend the trophy. The next tournament will be held at the new Sir Vivian Richards field.”

Once again the Bermuda team was still not at its strongest, but managed to hold their own in tournaments that are restricted to players who have not played Test cricket.

“I would imagine our Over-45 team can compete against any Over 45 (non ex-Test playing) team in the world, I’m certain of that,” said Richardson. “People “I would imagine our Over-45 team can compete against any Over-45 (non-Test playing) team in the world, I am certain of that,” said Richardson. “People don’t realise how good our team is and it can only get better.”

During the trip to England the Bermuda veterans also took in a 20/20 game at the Oval between Surrey and Middlesex. “The Oval is just spectacular, one of the best grounds I’ve seen,’ Richardson stated.

“We were trying to get to Wimbledon but the weather was so bad it didn’t make sense. We were playing the days when England were playing West Indies in a 20/20 and we were playing in the final when England played West Indies in the first one-dayer. Because of the rain we had to schedule games back to back and the soggy pitches took its toll on the guys.”

Former Bermuda teacher Dave Hagen, who is a former Academicals footballer, travelled down from Sheffield to watch the team. “He knew a lot of the guys. In fact he wants us to bring the team up to Sheffield where there is a thriving Over-40 league,” said Richardson.

[bul] Domestic cricket continues this weekend with the first round of the Western Counties on Saturday between Somerset Bridge and Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval. Also on Saturday is a Cup Match trial at Wellington Oval as the champions stage their first trial with just just a month away.

Limited overs cricket continues on Sunday with Social Club playing Western Stars at Devonshire Rec., Cleveland taking on Flatts at Wellington Oval and St. David’s hosting Southampton Rangers in Premier Division matches.

In the First Division, Bailey’s Bay meet PHC, Warwick take on Leg Trappers, Somerset Bridge entertain Devonshire Rec. and Police host Willow Cuts.

Heart-breaking loss for Bermuda Masters