Bermuda Cricket Board of Control will not get the $50,000 they requested from Government to help fund a national coach.

But they have still been awarded a grant of $120,000 to conduct a number of Island-wide cricket programmes.

Youth, Sports and Recreation Minister Tim Smith said that since the Board's initial request for money to employ a full-time coach, a further letter had been received from the BCBC indicating their need for some $335,000 to cover all of their budgeted requirements for the year -- including coaching.

"I have looked through all of the budgets for the year and have allocated about $120,000 to the BCBC, and they are able to use that grant in areas of coaching, new equipment and other administrative use,'' said Smith.

"Unfortunately I wasn't able to support all of their requirements. I was able to support it to the tune of $120,000, which is largely my grant funding request this year. I have gone up again. Not only have I the same groups asking me for more money but I have more groups asking for money,'' he added.

Smith said that cricket was now in a healthy position, with many new sponsors climbing on board.

"It's certainly a testimony to any sports governing body that is able to show a plan and a vision for the future. As bodies like the BCBC do that, more businesses in Bermuda will be delighted to see that management plan in place and probably will be more likely to offer assistance in sponsorship,'' he said.

"We are seeing a stronger alliance between Goverment, the private sector and the governing bodies. We are all working towards the same thing, that is successful sports programmes because they do contribute immensely to the community.'' BCBC president El James said he appreciated the consideration given Smith to the Board's request and said the BCBC and Sports Ministry continued to enjoy a good working relationship.

James indicated it was still the Board's intention to employ a full-time, qualified coach during the new cricket season.

Meanwhile, James confirmed that a major cricket tournament which was dropped from the domestic calender early last season has been reinstated.

While no official sponsor has yet been announced, the popular Champion of Champions competition is again set to take place at the end of this season.

The matches, which see the winners of the three county finals competing over a two-day weekend in a limited overs tournament, will be played on September 12 and 13.

The tournament was floored last May when then sponsors BF&M dropped out.

But BF&M vice-president of marketing and customer services, Glen Gibbons said at the time he did not rule out a renewal of funding for cricket.

True to their word, BF&M have returned -- this time to assist co-sponsors Shell and the Board in funding a reorganisation of the Shell Youth competition.

"We like the direction the current BCBC executive is going with its emphasis on youth development. This is really going to set the stage for young players to go forward and represent Bermda on the world stage,'' said Gibbons.

Said James: "All I am prepared to say right now is that we are thrilled to have made provisions for the return of the Champion of Champions competition.

It has always been well supported, and we can only hope that the many cricket loving fans in the Island will continue to give their support as we continue to revitalise the game here.

"What I can say is that we have some sponsors lined up for various things, and I am also happy to see that cricket is once again getting the support from the corporate sector that it needs to function in a decent manner. We cannot over-emphasise the appreciation for the support that we are getting.'' EL JAMES Turned down by Ministry