Bermuda?s Under-19 national cricket team could compete in the Premier or First Division this summer as preparation for next August?s Under-19 Americas Championships.

It is understood Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) are presently reviewing a proposal to have the national youth team compete among the senior ranks when the season gets underway in May.

?We have discussed the matter at this stage, but a decision has yet to be finalised,? a Board spokesperson stated yesterday.

However, it is understood the proposal has so far been met by a positive response from senior Board executives, sources said.

And should the proposal ultimately receive the Board?s blessing, then it will mark the first time a national youth team has competed in the domestic leagues as preparation for overseas commitments since the early 1990s.

Bermuda?s Under-19 national squad are scheduled to compete in July?s Sir Gary Sobers International Schools Tournament in Barbados before heading off to either Canada or the USA to compete in the Americas Championship for the right to advance to the 2008 World Cup finals to be held in Malaysia.

Bermuda?s Under-19s, captained by Oronde Bascome, are presently training three times a week.