Bermuda finally deal with cup bust-up

Bermuda's authorities have finally acted over the disgraceful scenes which marred this year's Somerset-St George's cup match.

Almost four months after the game, the Bermuda Cricket Board fired Herbie Bascome, the Under-19 coach, and put George O' Brien jr and Stephen Outerbridge on suspension for two years. The pair had already been fined by their clubs.

The match itself was an ill-tempered affair, and it has continued to overshadow Bermuda's other achievements in recent months. That has not been helped by the time it has taken the BCB to address the issue.

Bascome, who captained St George's, was also put on probation for two years and told he couldn't coach a national side until January 2007. He was accused of sledging during the game. He had denied the claims, and his punishment appeared to be harsh considering that meted out to the other two for their behaviour - O'Brien allegedly punched Outerbridge, after the latter reportedly spat on him.

The pair are expected to be included in Bermuda's World Cup squad, although it seems unlikely that they will room together.