HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Cup Match, Bermuda’s premier domestic cricket fixture between Somerset and St George’s, has been cancelled this year for the first time in its 118-year history, because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The two clubs, based at each end of the island, made the announcement in a joint release on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation over the annual game as the island continues to deal with the virus which has killed nine people on the island.

“Somerset Cricket Club and St George’s Cricket Club wish to advise the public that the 2020 Cup Match has been cancelled. This decision has been taken in light of the global pandemic and following consideration of all relevant information and advice from key stakeholders,” they said in their statement.

The clubs said while they understood the historic and cultural significance of the match, “after much deliberation, it has been concluded that the health and safety of spectators, club officials and players is of greatest significance during these uncertain and unprecedented times”.

The mid-summer classic which began as a friendly match between two lodges had been played each year since 1902 without interruption. Somerset, the titleholders, had been due to host the two-day game – which has been accompanied by a two-day national holiday since 1947 – on July 30 and 31.

“The classic is one of the most festive times of the year and we encourage all fans of Cup Match to celebrate the two days with friends and family while reflecting on its origins and adhering to any mandated health guidelines,” the clubs added.

On Tuesday, organisers of the Eastern Counties Cup, a four-team event, also announced this year’s tournament had been abandoned. Western Counties and Central Counties, which are less popular than their Eastern counterpart, have yet to make a decision about their tournaments.

Whether any cricket is played in Bermuda this season remains to be seen. The Bermuda Cricket Board, which does not have control over Cup Match or the County matches, is still weighing its options. While any regular 50-over cricket is unlikely, sources say some Twenty20 games may be played.

The independent Evening Cricket League, which features seven teams in each of two divisions, says it is awaiting government approval to start its season, which normally gets underway in early May.