A DESPERATE last-minute plea went out yesterday for anyone who knows the whereabouts of suitable clay for the cricket wicket at the National Sports Centre to come forward and tell the Trustees.

For years a search has been made for "suitable clay" for the wicket which has come in for much criticism. And with no results so far, Dr. Gerard Bean, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said they are asking the public "who may know of areas where this clay exists, to help us to find it and to determine whether or not the clay is indeed suitable for the construction of an international cricket wicket". And Dr. Bean urged anyone who does know the whereabouts of such suitable clay to tell the Trustees "within seven days".

He said: "We are appealing to those persons who believe that they can assist us in this process of locating suitable Bermuda clay, to provide us with specific information on its whereabouts, and information on whether the clay is located on public or private property. This is because the agreement of the landowner will need to be obtained before the clay can be mined and used for the wickets at the National Sports Centre."

Asked why the Trustees needed an answer in within seven days, Dr. Bean said that it was because work needed to be started very soon as Bermuda will be hosting international matches in the lead-up to the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

He said: "The Trustees have decided to exhaust every possible avenue to determine whether or not the clay we need, can in fact be found in Bermuda."

The clay will be tested by a lab in England to find out whether it is suitable for the wicket.

"We have been advised that for the best results, the clay should be virgin or undisturbed. We believe that approximately five truckloads may be required for the wicket and practise nets," he added.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of such clay should contact Clifford Wade and the NSC at 295-8085.