young cricketers seeking exposure and experience as amateurs in England.

A year ago the Department donated $5,000 each to Cup Match and Bermuda internationals Clay Smith, 24, and Dean Minors, 25, of St. George's to play for separate clubs in the Northumberland League in England.

And this week that investment doubled with the same sum now going to four of the Island's top young players, with Smith joined by Bailey's Bay all-rounder Glenn Smith at Benwell Cricket Club and Minors accompanied by St. George's medium pace bowler Gregg Foggo at Tynedale for the 1995 season. The four leave Bermuda tomorrow night.

The arrangement appears certain to benefit Bermuda cricket at the national level in the long run, with BCBC president Ed Bailey making it clear he would like to see more youngsters travelling to England in the future.

Minors' bid to be taken on as professional at Tynedale fell through after the immigration department in England turned down his request for a work permit.

But the contribution from Government has now made it possible for him to venture to England for a second year. It also means that he is now likely to be able to return to play in Cup Match in late July, something Clay Smith has also expressed interest in doing.

Both Glenn Smith and Foggo are excited about their opportunity and both are aiming for a second stint next year.

"From what Dean's been telling me with the type of atmosphere I will be able to swing the ball a lot,'' said Foggo, 23. "I'm hoping to take a lot of wickets. My main goal is to go back out there again next year.'' Glenn Smith, 23, is hoping to succeed with both the bat and ball. "I'm looking forward to it,'' he said. "Playing in England the wickets are pretty true and I should be able to make a lot of runs if I put my head down and bat.

"I'm just looking to have a pretty good season and take one game at a time.

Hopefully I can use this as a stepping stone and maybe other clubs will be interested in me.'' HOWZAT! -- Sports Minister Pam Gordon bowled over four of Bermuda's young cricketers yesterday with cash gifts of $5,000 from the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. Pictured (from left to right) are: Greg Foggo, Dean Minors, Ms Gordon, Clay Smith and Glenn Smith.