'Pressure bursts pipe?'

The Guns of the First District were leading 81-76 when the pressure seemed to be too much for some of the players on East Rockers 2.0 of the 7th District.

It appears the melee first started when a player from East Rockers 2.0 came off the court and returned to throw water on the court. Following that incident, another player from East Rockers 2.0 went on the court and was- in an aggressive way- attempting to fight either a player or a fan but was restrained.

Pockets of fights then ensued on the court among players and fans while other persons tried to intervene in an attempt to stop the fight.

Players & fans banned

In a strongly-worded statement, President of the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF), Derrick R. Varlack, noted that as a result of the incident "all players and spectators involved and identified through video footage are banned indefinitely" from the remainder of the games.

He said ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have agreed to show their presence at tonight's games to ensure the safety of everyone at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

East Rockers 2.0 given the boot!

Meanwhile, one of the favourites East Rockers have been eliminated from the series because the game was forfeited in favour of Guns, who now advance to round 2 of the playoffs.

The game was a do-or-die affair as East Rockers 2.0 had won the first game in the best of 3 playoff series before Guns levelled matters.

Guns, led by talisman Ray D. Victor, will now faceoff against Senior VG Bayside Blazers at 6:30pm today, September 19, 2021.

Disappointment

Meanwhile, most players and fans expressed disappointment with the fight and the conduct of both players and fans.

At the time of the disruption, there were a number of Government officials viewing the game, including Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), along with Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Julian Willock, who manages VG Bayside Blazers.

Dr Wheatley was seen doing a peacemaker job during the commotion.

Tripleheader tonight!

Round 2 of the playoffs continues tonight with three games.

Junior Division teams Bay Youths and 3D play in their deciding game from 4:30pm, with both teams having a win in the best of three series.

Game 2, in the Senior Division, will be between Guns and VG Bayside Blazers while the final encounter at 8:30pm will see Mega Mix taking on A's.

: The Guns of the First District were leading 81-76 when the pressure seemed to be too much for some of the players on East Rockers 2.0 of the Seventh District.

In a strongly-worded statement, President of the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF), Derrick R. Varlack, noted that as a result of the incident 'all players and spectators involved and identified through video footage are banned indefinitely' from the remainder of the games.

The Guns have advanced to Round 2 of the Playoffs where they will face VG Bayside Blazers.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) was among the government officials present at the game last night, September 18, 2021.

Round 2 of the playoffs continues with three games tonight, September 19, 2021.