Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Ugly clash between rival players mars PHC match

PHC have launched an internal probe into the circumstances surrounding a heated confrontation between opposing cricketers at their Warwick venue.The incident, involving a player each from PHC and visiting St. George’s Cricket Club, took place prior to the start of last Saturday’s Premier cricket match at PHC Field.The two cricketers were involved in a nasty verbal exchange before leaving the ground.But it is believed the PHC player later returned to the scene accompanied by others on bikes wearing dark visors in search of the St. George’s player who did not return to the venue for fear of his safety.Police attended the scene but no arrests were made.A Police statement read: “Around 12 noon on Saturday, police received a report of an incident at PHC Field.“It appears that prior to the scheduled cricket match between PHC and St. George’s, an argument took place between one of the PHC players and one of the St. George’s players.“The men were separated and police attended the scene; however there were no further incidents.”PHC vice-president Mark Wade said his club’s disciplinary committee is currently investigating the incident which they believed had the potential to escalate.“We are aware of a heated exchange of words and we have launched an investigation which has been handed over to our disciplinary committee,” he said. “But beyond that we really don’t have a comment until we complete our investigation.”Wade said unruly behaviour will not be tolerated at his club’s new home field that reopened for cricket earlier this season.“This is our first season playing at our home venue and so we want to do any and everything to protect the integrity of our ground,” he stressed. “We are very concerned about any anti-social behaviour.”St. George’s president Neil Paynter did not return calls amid claims some of his players received threats in the lead up to the match.It is understood that the PHC player involved in the verbal exchange with his St. George’s rival played in the match that the home team won by 93 runs to enhance their chances of Premier survival.The gravity of the incident is said to have left players from opposing sides startled and alarmed.Both players, if found guilty of breaching Bermuda Cricket Board’s code of conduct, could be facing disciplinary action.