national cricket coach yesterday, with the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control announcing that Mr. Roland Butcher had resigned.

Amid growing concerns over his continued absence and public outcry that he be sacked, Mr. Butcher quit yesterday.

The transplanted Englishman -- he was born in Barbados -- who represented Middlesex and England at first class level, had spent but three weeks instructing the Island's national squad since his appointment last September, and his lengthy absences due to various undefined commitments in England finally proved his undoing.

"The Bermuda Cricket Board of Control wishes to advise that Mr. Roland Butcher has resigned from the position of National Cricket Coach effective immediately,'' read a press release. "Mr. Butcher has advised that due to a situation that has arisen beyond his control, it is impossible for him, at this time, to give the Bermuda Cricket Board and the team his full attention.'' The team is currently preparing for the ICC Trophy tournament in Toronto, Canada next month, with part of Butcher's initial mandate having been that of preparing the squad, something which he will now forego.

BCBC president El James confirmed that no immediate replacement had been found, and that Mr. Winston Reid and Mr. Clevie Wade, who have taken charge of the national squad during Mr. Butcher's absence, would instead lead the squad.