Lester Harnett, a long-time Bermuda resident, pulled up the stumps in the match between Devonshire and Willow Cuts at the Devonshire Recreation Club ground shortly after colleague Bobby Smith, who had been subjected to abuse from players and spectators alike, walked off the field.
Smith was abused after giving Cuts batsman Reggie Tucker Jr out leg before wicket, leaving the visitors reeling at 64 for four after 17 overs in reply to Devonshire’s 139 all out, the Royal Gazette newspaper reported.
Shortly after Tucker’s dismissal Cuts batsman Chris Douglas came out to assist Harnett. But before play resumed, Harnett decided enough was enough and abandoned the match. At this point, the Gazette said, Douglas kicked the stumps out of the ground at the western end of the ground before walking off towards the dressing room.
Harnett was also subjected to verbal abuse from Cuts all-rounder Deunte Darrell, the Gazette added, after pulling up the stumps at the opposite end of the ground to signal the end of the low-scoring match that appeared to be heading for an exciting finish.
Cuts’ assistant coach Dexter Basden and Devonshire player/coach Ricky Brangman both declined to comment. But Bermuda Cricket Board technical committee chairman and vice-president Allen Richardson said later the BCB would review the circumstances that led to the match being abandoned.
