Altitude change stance, will play PLB Final against Verdes in Belmopan on Sunday

Earlier in the week, the PLB Organizing Committee ruled that if the second leg of the Finals between Altitude and Verdes could be played on Thursday night, the match should be rescheduled for Sunday at the FFB Field in Belmopan. At the time, Altitude said they would not play in Belmopan insisting that if the game couldn’t be played on Thursday, then it should be rescheduled for Saturday night in Independence.

Verdes said they would play wherever and whenever the PLB Organizing Committee decided the game should be played.

And it happened that way that on Thursday, the match had to be postponed for a second time. Altitude maintained their position posting on social media that they would not play.

However, the incessant rains caused the club to change their position as the pitch at the Michael Ashcroft remained unplayable.

“After weeks of constant rain, the Michael Ashcroft Stadium pitch is in no condition to have a match of this caliber,” Altitude said on Friday in a social media post directed to their fans.

“As much as we have fought to have the game played here, Mother Nature has other plans.

“We ask that you bear with us once more, as we travel to Belmopan on Sunday to play the Finals on neutral ground at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium.

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly. Our management, coaches and players all weighed in on the situation, and we trust that you, our ever loyal and faithful fans will understand, and be with us on Sunday to REP THE SOUTH!” Altitude said.

Altitude said the PLB and its member owners met on Friday and discussed every aspect of the ‘highly anticipated final match’. The change from the FFB Stadium to the Isidoro Beaton Stadium was more to Altitude’s liking. They had objected to the FFB Stadium because it’s not their home plus the fact that Verdes have used the FFB Stadium as a home field this season along with the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio and the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Altitude said they understand the responsibility to their fans but promised to provide free buses for fans wanting to go to the game if they had bought tickets or not. Buses will leave from Tony’ Super Store in Mango Creek and from MNM Hardware in Placencia at 2:30 pm.

Any fans who have their stubs will not be charged at the gate. Fans without tickets will pay $20.00.

The first match in Cayo ended in a 1-1 draw.