Bagga explain no go in All Leeward

President of the Barrouallie Sports Association (BSA) Lorson Lewis has explained the town’s non-participation in the 2013 Hairoun Beer All Leeward Football league, which opened Saturday at the Campden Park Playing Field.{{more}}

Lewis told SEARCHLIGHT that they opted out, based on the “closeness to the national inter community/league competition”.

The national league is set to open next month and Barrouallie is looking to defend the title they won last year.

“The lack of preparation, as well as exposure to injuries in fast paced competition were the underlying factors for the management team to opt for a longer training schedule, and non-appearance in the All Leeward league,” Lewis further explained.

He also noted that despite the All Leeward league providing an avenue for preparation for the national league, the Barrouallie squad was not selected during the past week — days prior to last Saturday’s commencement.

Concerns were raised about the standard of officiating at last year’s inaugural All Leeward league.

At Saturday’s opening, chair of the organising committee Clyde Robinson said his committee will seek to improve on the officiating.

The administrative committee also includes Dwight Roberts and Anton Caesar.

The absence of Barrouallie leaves four teams in the league — defending champion Layou, Buccament, South Leeward, and North Leeward.

Each of the four teams will play each other twice, with the two top teams facing off in the final, for the winner’s purse of $2,000. The runner-up gets $1,000.

Matches are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays at the Campden Park and Layou playing fields. (RT)