with dwindling numbers on the eve of the new season.

Attempts to attract new officials have not been successful and Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association's Randy Butler fears they could again face a season in which umpires' services are stretched to the limit.

"I haven't seen the schedule, but the way I visualise the schedule is going to be, we will need more people,'' said Butler. "We have people who work shifts who are not available every weekend.'' Butler said already there were indications that some BCUA members would not be available for the start of the season or were planning to cut back.

"We're just trying to find replacements,'' Butler explained. "Some guys we haven't seen or heard from.

"Some have expressed interest in coming out but we need to get them out now so we can train them.'' In the past the association has attempted to get former players to help out but without much success.

"I don't just mean guys who have played cricket, they have to come out and learn the laws,'' said Butler. "There is a difference interpreting the laws than when you are playing and just standing out there and appealing and hoping the umpire puts up his hand.'' To help get umpires familiar with the laws, the association is running a test next Wednesday night.

The opening league matches are scheduled for May 3 when the first round of the Open Competition takes place with three matches. Champions Bailey's Bay have a day off because their opponents, Police, are on tour. The three matches see Southampton Rangers hosting St. George's, Devonshire Rec. taking on Willow Cuts and Cleveland meeting Western Stars.

This weekend St. George's Cricket Club have scheduled a 50-overs Cup Match trial at Wellington Oval starting at noon. "Basically there was nothing happening, no soccer or cricket, so we think this game has good merit,'' said St. George's coach Wendell Smith.

"We will be able to get the winter rust off the players and have match practice prior to league play. We will also see who is serious about their cricket from the get-go.

"We included a lot of future players, especially with the 100th Cup Match coming up (2001). That will be the biggest sporting event in Bermuda's history.''