Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

THE COACHES of Norman Manley and St. George's College decided to abandon their crucial ISSA/Pepsi/ Digicel Manning Cup match at Tinson Pen yesterday due to a lack of officials.

Alrick Clarke of Norman Manley and Neville 'Bertis' Bell of St. George's made the decision at 4:10 p.m. when no officials had arrived at the venue.

While St. George's were aiming to keep their slim chances of advancing to the second round, Manley were looking to confirm their second-round spot.

About five minutes after the coaches made their decision not to play, a referee arrived at the ground venue but was jeered by spectators.

The referee, who did not want to give his name, said he was at Butter Cup Park when he was told to go to Tinson Pen. He was the only official entered the park.

disappointing situation

Bell described the situation as "disappointing".

"I think it is unfair for both teams," Bell said.

Norman Manley's Clarke was also disappointed.

"We were looking to cement our place today and start preparing for the second round, but this sets us back," Clarke said.

"This is a major setback for the Walker Cup," he added.

ISSA's competitions officer, George Forbes, was livid at the situation.

"The blatant incompetence of the referees is going to severely affect the competition," Forbes said.

"If we had played this game, we would have being able to meet our deadline for the Walker Cup on Friday," he explained.

The zone winners and runner-ups would have been decided by Wednesday the latest.

"Now we are left in a quandary as to what to do ... we are going to advocate for the referees' association to compensate teams," said Forbes.

yesterday's results

STATHS