featuring parish teams rather than club teams.

And the competition will also see the introduction of two age groups.

Both changes are seen by Western Counties president Reginald Outerbridge as moves to further help develop youth cricket in Bermuda.

Play in both age groups will take place on Friday afternoons and all matches this season will be staged at Southampton Oval. The under-13s will play 25-over games, starting at 4.00 p.m. and the under-17s 30-over games at 3.00 p.m.

This week's opening round under-13 game will feature a match beween Warwick and Sandys with the winning team facing Southampton on July 23.

Play in the under-17 division starts on August 6 with Southampton playing Sandys and the winner meeting Warwick in the final on August 20.

According to Outerbridge, with the various senior counties matches taking place on Saturdays it was difficult to arrange junior games at the same time.

He noted that Fridays should prove to be an advantage since parents will be able to drop by the grounds on their way home from work to see the youngsters in action.

BCBC president El James said the Board were pleased to see the Western Counties revitalise their youth programme. Operating the two divisions, he noted, showed their interest in helping to develop the game at youth level.

"The whole idea is to have our youngsters play matches as often as possible.

They haven't had the opportunity to do so in the past decade but now that chance is being given to them, something which all of us in cricket are thrilled to see,'' said James.

Outerbridge said his association were particularly pleased to have the support of sponsors John Barritt & Son Ltd who have donated a trophy for the respective champions and cups for the most valuable players.