IF THERE was anything more astonishing than Glenn Blakeney's marvellous unbeaten innings of 303 at Lord's last Sunday it was only that, after the dust had settled, nobody had a clue whether or not it represented a new record.

Sadly, the governing body of cricket don't keep records and haven't done for as long as most us can remember.

It's difficult enough to get the weekly league scoreboards, let alone any individual statistics. And don't even ask about an up-to-date league table. In the media, we haven't seen one for weeks.

Several clubs currently playing in the Premier and First Division don't even employ official scorers.

There was a time when former Mid Ocean News sports editor Dexter Smith meticulously kept tabs on the best batting and bowling analysis and averages throughout the season. But since his departure a couple of seasons ago nobody has filled the void - and certainly not anyone within Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

Indeed, if it wasn't for the tireless efforts of Tommy Aitchison, it's unlikely that down the years any records would have been kept on Cup Match, the most prestigious of all local games. And one wonders what will happen when Tommy eventually decides to call it a day.

In most countries where cricket is popular - and let's not forget it has been declared one of Bermuda's two national sports - statistics and records are treasured. It's the only way the sport's history can be accurately documented.

But for some reason nobody here pays the slightest attention to such detail - although club officials and players are the first to complain if they feel that team or personal achievements have been improperly recorded.

For all the BCBC are doing to promote cricket - and the under-15 national team's success at the Americas Regional tournament in Florida last week suggests they are on the right track - there's evidence to suggest that from an administrative perspective a lot more needs to be done.

If clubs want to play at the top level - First and Premier Division - it's their duty to produce accurate scoreboards. And from those scoreboards, it's incumbent on the governing body to maintain all the relevant statistics.

It's tedious and time-consuming. But it is of immense historic value and, as such, necessary.

And if this is seen as an attack on the BCBC, they can take heart from the fact that they're not the only guilty party.

We can think of numerous other sports governing bodies in Bermuda who are equally lax when it comes to keeping records.

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THERE'S been much debate this week over who should be presented with the Cup Match MVP award and after one of the best summer classics in years, there's plenty to choose from.

But really, it shouldn't be a difficult decision.

The game unfolded as it did only because St. George's skipper Charlie Marshall decided from the outset that a draw wasn't one of his options.

As such he made two bold declarations which kept the match interesting and entertaining throughout the two days.

Add to that courage a top score of 71 and another innings of 35, and you have your MVP.

Hopefully, Charlie's adventurous approach will inspire others in years to come.

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AND on the subject of MVP, can anyone explain why a week has now passed since the match ended and the two clubs have yet to agree on their choice?

Test match and one-day international panels normally make their announcement on MVP moments after stumps are pulled.

Here in Bermuda the thousands of fans who flocked to Somerset are kept in the dark while those responsible for making the selection continue to dither.

With every day that passes the match becomes a distant memory and the award just a little less significant.

- ADRIAN ROBSON