New 20/20 contest set for a thrilling conclusion
The third and final round of games in the inaugural 20/20 cricket league are scheduled today with several mouthwatering matches.
St. David's play St. George's in the East zone, PHC clash with Leg Trappers in the West Central zone, while Somerset play Southampton Rangers and Willow Cuts play Somerset Bridge in the West zone, all games determining who advances to tomorrow's semi-finals.
Only Police, who have already won the East Central zone, are guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals going into the weekend with the three remaining spots still up for grabs.
St. David's meet Eastern rivals St. George's at Lord's, knowing that whoever comes out on top will be back on the pitch tomorrow.
Both sides brushed aside Cleveland County and Bailey's Bay in their opening two matches last weekend to set up this winner-takes-all game.
Police already secured their place, having already beaten Young Men's Social Club and Flatts Victoria and now await the winners of the East zone.
Today's results in the West zone will also determine who goes through to the semis.
Any one of three teams - Somerset, Southampton Rangers or Willow Cuts are still in with a chance.
Somerset lead the west by virtue of the fact that they remain undefeated. But with a meeting against Southampton Rangers today, they can't taking anything for granted.
The teams' batting averages in the West Zone could play a part if Rangers beat Somerset and Willow Cuts overcome Somerset Bridge.
A three-way tie could result see the batting averages come into play, with the team with the best average taking top spot.
Rangers currently hold the initiative with an average of 25.64, having scored 282 runs in the two matches they have played, while losing 11 wickets.
Somerset have scored –338 runs and lost 14 wickets for an average of 24.14, while Willow Cuts are a distant third with an average of 13.41, having scored 228 runs, while losing –17 wickets.
In the West Central zone, PHC and Leg Trappers will lock horns today, with the winner moving onto represent the zone in the second semi-final tomorrow at the NSC.
Bermuda Cricket Board announced yesterday that in the event that teams finish equal on points in their division, the following tiebreakers would apply:
n If two teams finish on equal points the winner of their respective head-to-head game will determine the ultimate winner.
n If three teams finish on equal points, the league will be won by the team with the highest batting average.
After today's matches are concluded, tomorrow's semi-finals should be determined.
The first semi-final will be contested between the winner of the East Central zone ¿ Police - and the winner of the East zone, starting at 12 noon at the NSC.
The second semi-final will see the winners of the West and West Central zone clash at –4 p.m. at the same venue.
The final will be played on Saturday, May 10, starting at –8 p.m. at the NSC, with the third/fourth play-off beginning at 4 p.m.
The BCB yesterday reminded club of the following rules:
n Team are permitted one hour and 20 minutes for each innings. Slow over rates will lead to reduced innings.
n The incoming batsman will have 90 seconds to get into position and take guard or could be penalised.