Dear Sir,

I would like to express my disappointment and repugnance at the type of cricket displayed on Thursday and Friday, July 28 and 29 respectively, at the Wellington Oval, St. George's.

The lack of sportsmanship displayed on the playing field will make me think twice about attending another Cup Match in the near future. I spoke with others who also shared my views.

The wicket was not prepared properly, partially due to the weather conditions! Some of the umpiring decision were inaccurate, thereby adding to the tension rising on the pitch.

The unsportsmanlike incidents which occurred on the field must be stamped out immediately. The League clubs must get involved to make players understand their behaviours on and off the field represent not only St. George's and Somerset but the very essence of what being a sportsman is all about - ‘somebody fair and honourable who behaves according to principles of fairness and who observes rules, shows respect for others and accepts defeat graciously'.

There also should be a committee to deal with the growing problem of poor behaviour whether it is in the club or within their perimeters. If the discipline involves suspension or expulsion, it must be done.

Bermuda's future is at stake with our young people who look up to their seniors, and overseas guests who on witnessing the poor spectacle of comportment, cringed with disgust as did the majority of spectators.

Personally, I have represented Bermuda in cricket at home and abroad at various levels, be it for my own club or otherwise, and have always tried my best to honour my selective position in my team.

Mr. Editor, thank you for allowing me a chance to express my thoughts in your editorial.

MEL ROBERTS

PS - I have played for Bermuda Under-25s, Somerset Bridge Recreation Club, Somerset Cricket Club, Western Counties and various SICL picks through the years.

Dear Sir,

What a tragedy that the wonderful game of cricket had to be besmirched by certain individuals during the annual Cup Match.

This event, which celebrates emancipation and the settling of Bermuda, has become over the years the most diverse gathering of the inhabitants of these islands, who come together each year to enjoy Cup Match, the cricket and the camaraderie.

It is my earnest hope that in the interests of the event and the game that Cup Match officials deal with the perpetrators most severely.

I have known Saleem Mukuddem since he first arrived on the shores of Bermuda and can honestly say that I have found him to be a gentleman and a great lover of cricket. How sad that he had to put up with the abuse that he stated in Monday's Royal Gazette.

As a young man he grew up in South Africa and being of Asian extraction he suffered the same disgusting apartheid that all non whites suffered.

Here in Bermuda he has been offered the chance to display his cricket skills, to represent Somerset's Cup Match team, Western Stars and Bermuda - opportunities he would never have had in the old South Africa.

He is owed an apology.

I'll end with quoting Jim Woolridge: “I have played, watched, commentated and been involved in cricket all my life and I have never seen anything like this.”

And I hope you never do again Jim.

DAVE GARLAND

Warwick

Dear Sir,

I am very, very upset and disappointed that some members of the national cricket squad (going to represent Bermuda) lack good sportsmanship.

I believe that great gentlemen like Mr. Nicholas Callabras, Mr. Alex (Cocky) Steede, Mr. Ed (Bosun) Swainson, Mr. Cyril Packwood, to name but a few, would be very embarrassed to know what happened at Wellington Oval on July 28 and 29.

They are turning over in their graves.

I also hope that the selection committee of the BCB (Bermuda Cricket Board) will not include Mr. George O'Brien jr in the 2007 World Cup line-up.

I am a strong believer in ‘Tough Love'.

FRANCES GOODCHILD