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Premier pair stumped by Belco Cup omission

The more things change, the more they remain the same.At least that appears to be the case for Premier Division newcomers PHC and Willow Cuts.The two clubs have been snubbed from this summer's inaugural Belco Cup even though affiliates voted last year to increase the former Camel Cup competition - traditionally contested by the top four Premier Division clubs from the previous season - to six teams.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

At least that appears to be the case for Premier Division newcomers PHC and Willow Cuts.

The two clubs have been snubbed from this summer's inaugural Belco Cup even though affiliates voted last year to increase the former Camel Cup competition - traditionally contested by the top four Premier Division clubs from the previous season - to six teams.

The new format would have seen PHC, last season's First Division champions, and runners-up Cuts included in the mid-June competition.

Yesterday, Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman said that the matter was still being looked at and that a final decision had not yet been reached.

Utility firm Belco replaced former sponsors Camel last week. The latter had sponsored the popular event for the past 18 years.

Camel representative, Joanne McPhee, had told the Mid Ocean News there was more politics in local cricket than in the House of Assembly.

Affiliates had previously embraced the concept of including the two top First Division teams from the previous season into the prestigious competition during the BCB's 2002 annual general meeting.

Meanwhile, Cuts and PHC officials are demanding answers.

"We haven't heard anything from the board other than the fact that they have found a new sponsor," said a PHC spokesperson yesterday.

"I don't know whether or not the new sponsors were informed about the proposals but the board knew because it was voted on and they guys were really looking forward to it.

"Why would they (BCB) say that to the teams before the (2002) season started, but then when they make the draw this year there is only four teams?

"They say one thing and do another.

"That's kind of wrong. All of the affiliates agreed to it (including First Division teams).

"They agreed to the new transfer rule that states if your team gets relegated then you can't transfer up.

"All of these things were agreed upon during that meeting - and this was also supposed to be a part of it."

Also left completely in the dark as to the sudden omission is Cuts' veteran Dexter Basden.

"No one said anything to us. But obviously we are not in it," he said.

"They said last season that the top two teams from the First Division would compete against the top four teams from the Premier.

"Now it's just going to be the top four (Premier) teams, so really I don't know.

"We haven't received any official word from the Board, and we were only notified about the change in the newspaper. We are just as shocked as everyone else."

When contacted yesterday, Belco president Gary Madeiros, stated: "My discussions with the BCB only mentioned the top four teams.

"There's never been any commentary whatsoever with regards to any alterations or decisions made by the affiliates.

"It's been business as usual. As far as we understood, only the top four teams from the Premier Division will compete. That's new news to me."