Rain foils start of cricket season

Confirmation of this came in a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) yesterday.

It stated that inclement weather has left the various grounds across Trinidad and Tobago waterlogged, leaving the National League Committee with no option but to postpone rounds one and two matches, carded for today and tomorrow. The start of competition has now been re-scheduled for next weekend which had initially been scheduled for rounds three and four. It was said however that new dates for the opening and second round of the league will be decided soon at an emergency meeting.

The start had been uncertain because of an impasse between the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council (TTCUSC) and rebel association (ACUTT) — the Association of Cricket Umpires of Trinidad and Tobago.

The TTCBC had responded to the impasse with the appointment of a mediator to solve the problem. However officials of the TTCUSC gave the assurance that all was in place for the start of the competition had rain not forced the postponement at the start. President of TTCUSC Clarence Shaffrali told Newsday that his association had appointed umpires for all matches in the league, although members of ACUTT were withholding their services.

The Carib Sunday League was due to bowl off with Ceramic Merry Boys and FCB Clarke Road United at Diego Martin; Joe Public Munroe Road versus Mayo Valley Boys in Chaguanas; and Couva Sports and Las Lomas Sports Club at Couva Junior Secondary School in Group ‘A.’

Group "B" of the 50-overs affair was to feature Powergen Sports and W Connection Wanderers at Syne Village; Queen’s Park Cricket Club and Invaders Sports Club at CIC ground; and Endeavour Sports Clubs taking on Defence Force at Endeavour.

Group "C" had carded Alescon Comet versus Tile It Central Sports; and British American Aranguez Sports against Tobago United at Inshan Ali Park, Preysal.