Swine Flu stopped play?

randomer

Today Irish cricket created what I think is a first in world cricket! "Swine Flu stopped play".

North County were playing a Leinster Senior League game against Clontarf when news came through that a member of the North County squad, who was not playing in todays game, was told that he was suspected of having swine flu.

When the players became aware of the news a decision was made to abandon the match. From what I heard, a number of players in the game had new born, or young, children, and decided amongst each other to abandon the game.

Does anyone have any opinions on this? Personally I think it was the correct decision, but speaking to some others today they thought it was hysteria as they had already played 5 hours of cricket before the game was abandoned.

Beasty

It is inevitable that pretty much everyone will come into contact with Swine Flu at some stage. Most will probably not pick it up. Many of those that do will possibly not realise they have it, and go about their normal activities, coming into contact with others who are oblivious to it. Some will have a bad dose, and then fully recover. To date only one person in Ireland has died as a result of Swine Flu, and I understand there were serious underlying conditions (as has been the case in practically all the UK fatalities to date)

Ian Harvey, who is currently signed to Northants, went down with Swine Flu last week. However no-one thought of cancelling any matches - they simply went ahead with Harvey not picked.

You can probaly tell I am in the "hysteria" camp!

TrueDub

I can see both sides of the argument - anyone with young children will want to minimise their chances of coming into contact with the virus, and yet your chances of that contact are quite high, considering the number of people you come into contact with as part of daily life.

I would imagine that a doctor was involved in the decision in North County, and if both sides, and the umpires, were satisfied it was appropriate, then fair enough.

On the wider issue of whether games should be cancelled or not, I don't think they should. People can decide on an individual basis whether they wish to play or not.

randomer

Does anyone know what the result of the game was?

I am assuming that they are not allowed to continue the game, as it is a league rather than a cup match.

A refix would also be out of the question.

Only 11 overs were bowled in the second innings so a D/L result is ruled out too. So it looks like 8 points each for an abandoned match?

Beasty

randomer wrote: »

Does anyone know what the result of the game was?

I am assuming that they are not allowed to continue the game, as it is a league rather than a cup match.

A refix would also be out of the question.

Only 11 overs were bowled in the second innings so a D/L result is ruled out too. So it looks like 8 points each for an abandoned match?

This could be a useful planning opportunity - if you look like you are going to lose a match, play the "Swine Flu" card to get it abandoned before enough overs are bowled to make a match of it (and based on the North County example, I would suggest it would probably be enough to say that someone looked like they were coughing as they were driving by the ground)

Pity England did not think of this when they were 5 wickets down at the end of the second day at Headingley:D

TrueDub

Sources tell me that the HSE were on the phone insisting that the game be called off. I think you'd need the authorities to make a call like this.

randomer

TrueDub wrote: »

Sources tell me that the HSE were on the phone insisting that the game be called off. I think you'd need the authorities to make a call like this.

When I first heard the game had been abandoned, I thought the call had been made from someone from the HSE.

However, I spoke to people who were at the game, and involved in the decision to abandon the game, and was told that the decision was made by the players based on a recommendation from a doctor.

TrueDub

Interesting one Mick. I've heard the HSE story, and had no reason to disbelieve, but then looking at http://www.cover-point.com/post/Leinster-League-Clontarf-v-North-County-Live-Updates.aspx it seems that a doctor made the call.

Either way I'm not sure how stopping a cricket match after 5 hours was going to help, but I can understand everyone's desire to go when the news broke.

Gyalist

randomer wrote: »

Today Irish cricket created what I think is a first in world cricket! "Swine Flu stopped play".

Does anyone have any opinions on this? Personally I think it was the correct decision, but speaking to some others today they thought it was hysteria as they had already played 5 hours of cricket before the game was abandoned.

I vote for hysteria.

Edit. Oops. Just realised that Clontarf v North County was on Sunday 09/08. I still think that it was an overreaction.

TheDrog

Rush 4ths vs North County 5ths was also abandoned for the same reason

randomer

Just saw the latest league tables and it looks like 8 points each.

LCU wrote:

At Castle Avenue: Clontarf (8) v North County (8). Match Abandoned following medical advice

I think it must definitely be a first. Abandoned following medical advice!

TrueDub

You'd get short odds on an appeal to the LCU for a refix. Both sides would like the full win & bonus points.

Beasty

TheDrog wrote: »

Rush 4ths vs North County 5ths was also abandoned for the same reason

If you go on the basis of this "medical advice", presumably North County should not be allowed to play again until the individual concerned is clear of symptoms, and there is confirmation that no-one else in the team has Swine Flu. The same should, of course, be applied to Clontarf, as their players have come in contact with North County players (their wicket keeper must be particularly at risk:)). Similarly Rush players have also come into contact with North County players, and must be immediately quarantined (as should all umpires involved, as well as any spectators at the affected matches). The logical extension is to apply the same principles to Leinster and Limavady, as they have now been in contact with someone from the Clontarf game.

The reality of Swine Flu is it is here, and it's not going away quickly. There is a view that you are better catching it now, rather than in the winter, when it could have mutatetd to a stronger virus. It has gone well past the "containment" point, and people should just take simple precautions to reduce their risk of infection. However there is no way of avoiding all contact, unless everyone wants to lock themselves away for the next 6 months (or more).

The whole situation is farcical, although it will add to my list of amusing anecdotes about the Irish way of life:D

randomer

Someone mentioned on Sunday that North Countys ground was going to be closed until Wednesday. I am not 100% sure on that, can anyone confirm?

Beasty

Fingal Independent article

http://www.fingal-independent.ie/sport/other-sports/league-tie-abandoned-due-to-swine-flu-concerns-1856833.html

It confirms the ground has been closed for the first three days of this week, and that "Both captains agreed to a re-fixture in the circumstances".

The individual in question was not even at the ground!

randomer

Beasty wrote: »

"Both captains agreed to a re-fixture in the circumstances".

Although both captains agreed a refixture I dont think it will make any difference. Last year the LCU wouldn't allow a change of venue a few days in advance, even though one of the grounds was unplayable.