But that maxim could not become a reality for either Dyna Ravens or Courts Pacesetters basketball clubs as the long-anticipated grudge-match between them which was scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) Saturday night did not bounce off leaving several fans dejected.
The referees in charge of this game sent the shrill sound of their whistles to signal jump ball at 01:15 hrs, but manager of the CASH, Basheer Khan, halted the game before play could have taken place stating that promoter of the night’s activities Colin Mack had gone past the stipulated time for the use of the venue.
“Due to the late start of the night’s proceedings and with the main game not being in process, there is no way I can permit such to start at 01:17hrs in the morning. I have already used my judgment and allowed things to go past the stipulated time in the contract as the fashion show was underway.
“If the game was in progress and the stipulated close off time in the contract was passed, then there is a use of conscience, as fans would want to see the outcome of such. But with a game commencing at this hour, is definitely a no-no,” said Khan.
Mack, who was disappointed at the sudden end to the night’s activities, told Stabroek Sport that there was an agreement between himself and Khan which was made during the week as the two would have had regular meetings, especially during rehearsals.
“I’ve had regular meetings with Mr. Khan during the past week, especially at rehearsals. I even took care of his transportation to his home and it was during those meetings that I outlined to him my intentions for the show. For such to come to a sudden halt is totally disappointing and also embarrassing to me.
“My disappointment has to do with the way I have been treated by Khan, even after those meetings, and to my mind I think he is looking for a financial reward in order for this game to bounce off. But I am not prepared to go to that extreme,” said Mack.
Mack added: “Having outlined my plans for the night’s activities to Khan during the week I approached him prior to the start of the match and asked him to be lenient and grant me an extra 40 minutes for same to be played. But to my surprise I was summoned to his office by a policeman wherein he told me that he was on the phone with the minister and the game cannot go ahead.
“Such a statement I was not prepared for, having already paid the Linden female team $50,000 for their victory over their Georgetown counterparts as promised whilst at the same time I was looking forward for this grudge match to bounce off.”
An aggrieved looking Mack, who has been in the promotional business for a number of years, stated that he had to put his reputation on the line and cancel the game at the request of not only Khan, who he described as being unreasonable after making negotiations, but also the police.
“With my reputation on the line, I am prepared to stand all the expenses to have this game played as soon as possible and with this in mind I am pleading to the relevant authorities to grant the use of the venue to replay same,” stated Mack.
Despite not being able to see the grudge match, basketball fans did have the opportunity to see a Linden female lineup edge their Georgetown counterparts 49-48 in overtime, thanks to the efforts of Sonia Rodney who top scored with 22 points for the victors.
Sheneeza Atwell offered her support with 13 points while Amerie Alphonso and Kean Andrews netted 14 points each for Georgetown as Linden took home the $50,000 winners purse and trophy while in the one-on-one shoot out, Pacesetters Stephon Gillis defeated Ravens Ryan Stepheny.
