By Frederick Halley
TORONTO, Canada – History is in the making, or as a matter of fact it has been created. The final of the Toronto District Cricket Association (TDCA) Super 9 (the highest level within the league) took place at the Maple Leaf ground on Sunday, October 1, 2017. More than one week after, there hasn’t been an official winner.
When the umpires pulled the bails at 19.03hrs because of bad light, based on the Duckworth Lewis (DL) system, Vikings should have been declared winners but after Centurion players and officials intervened, confusion reigned.
The umpires thereafter retired to the clubhouse and after what seemed liked a mountainous task, allegedly told both teams that they will meet again the following day to further sort out the result. They apparently met but seemed incapable of arriving at a “verdict”.
Reports indicated that the umpires were asked to submit a written report to the TDCA officials for them to rule on the matter and from all indications this report was submitted last Wednesday. In the meantime, Vikings skipper Royston Crandon, his Guyanese teammate Raj Nannan and Trinidadian Kamil Pooran had all departed for their respective destinations the day after the game.
According to a reliable source, the TDCA officials have acknowledged receipt of the umpires’ report which shows that Vikings are the winners by four runs via the DL system. As the drama continues, the board officials are reportedly now asking for reports from the captains and have disclosed that they have already received one from Centurions skipper.
Among the issues, the board officials reportedly are looking at, include why the game went past the 18:30hrs cut-off time, start time, delays and penalties although these were fully spelt out in the umpires’ report.
A look at the TDCA website will reveal that the last posting on the game read: Centurions are chasing 264. Currently 191-5 after 41 overs. For whatever reason or reasons there were no further postings to date.
However, the final scores in the 50-over affair were: Vikings 264 for seven in their allotted 50 overs, Centurions 233 for five in 47 overs.
One is left to wonder why the umpires, who were solely in charge of the game, didn’t declare Vikings as winners and if Centurions weren’t happy with their rulings, they had the opportunity of protesting the decision but lo and behold, this wasn’t done.
In the meantime, allegations abound about the behavioural patterns of Centurion players and supporters and many are of the view that this may have prompted the umpires from ruling against them. From all appearances, the TDCA board officials seem to be facing the same dilemma since they are still to make a decision.
It should be noted that this game was replayed from the previous weekend when an incident involving a spectator from Centurions was accused of using pepper spray in the vicinity of two Vikings fielders, causing a stoppage and eventual end to the game. Police were summoned prompting an evacuation of the ground.
Meanwhile, Vikings were indebted to a fine innings of 97 from Pooran and 44 from Crandon, who shared a brilliant sixth-wicket stand of 116 to ensure their team reached the respectable score. S. Kamal was undefeated on 102 when Centurions innings was halted.
