to deliver a resolution to the ongoing umpires' dispute.

But some progress appears to have been made and a full settlement could be reached within days.

In fact, Randy Horton, first vice-president of Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, said he was optimistic that things would be back to normal by the weekend with a full slate of officials attending the last round of league matches.

Horton and his second vice-president Reginald Pearman, who is also chairman of the BCBC Umpires Committee, met with the full executive of Bermuda Cricket Umpires' Association in an effort to end the two week stand-off.

"We had an amicable meeting and we left it on a very positive note,'' said Horton.

"I am hoping that the Board will have an opportunity to meet and further discuss the situation either tomorrow or Thursday.

"I am hoping that by the weekend we will have the problem resolved and have umpires out there officiating. I am an optimist, I am more than hopeful in this regard.

"It's important not to let such conflicts like this affect the sport. Cricket is bigger than the BCBC and the BCUA, any decision that we make has to be in the best interest of cricket. It's a game that we want to see played well and officiated well.'' The controversy erupted after the Board dismissed a disciplinary case involving Willow Cuts' coach Rodney Fubler, claiming that the umpires involved failed to show up for the hearing.

The umpires attributed their absence to poor communication by the Board and they were also upset after discovering that Willow Cuts skipper Dexter Basden would not face charges of bringing the sport into disrepute during the match concerned.

Members of the BCUA have been saddened by news of the death of Ralph Gosine, vice-president of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association.

Well-known and recognised for his contribution to cricket in the Caribbean, the Trinidad and Tobago official was last in Bermuda in 1993 when he attended the WICUA's biennial conference. He was also in attendance when it was held in New York two months ago.