Cup Match passed without any major security incidents although Police had to step in when two fans fought on the pitch on Thursday afternoon.

Police quickly stopped the punch-up which held up the game for a few minutes before the pair were ejected.

And Press photographers complained of heavy handed Policing yesterday.

Royal Gazette photographer Glenn Tucker said one plainclothes officer, who did not identify himself, made a half-hearted attempt to confiscate his camera.

"He told me Hott 107.5 FM had the exclusive rights and he wasn't certain I should be shooting. I walked away from him."

And colleague Meredith Andrews said she had to fight for her right to get a shot of the trophy presentation with Police who put up a random security cordon.

Despite offering her Government-approved Press pass a burly Policeman told her it meant nothing and that she was a security threat. Meanwhile amateur photographers were left alone to snap away.

Armed police who toured the venue on Thursday kept a low profile but yesterday Police were more visible, particular after the on-pitch bust up between players.

A large security team used metal detectors to check spectators entering Wellington Oval with those caught with weapons running a risk of an automatic three-year jail term.

Marsha Andrew, owner of International Security and Fire, said most people had obeyed the call not to bring knives while a few had forgotten but only had blades under three inches which are not subject to the new law.

One man, claiming to be a fisherman, brought a longer blade and had his details taken by the security firm to hand to Police but Ms Andrew said he had not been back to claim it.

The law excuses people from having long blades in public if they are for religious, sporting or work use or as part of a national costume.

Ms Andrew said: "He claimed he had it for a legitimate reason. We tried to be lenient because it is Cup Match."

Ms Andrew said her team also discovered a long blade on the grounds of the cricket club on Thursday morning.

She said: "It looked like it had been there for a little while. It was somewhat rusty."

Police media spokesman Robin Simmons also said there had been no major incidents at Cup Match.