rg1 A lack of commitment by players was yesterday presented as the reason for the sudden withdrawal of defending champions The Centre from the Bank of Butterfield Table Tennis League after only two rounds of competition.

Senior community worker and non-playing team captain Harold Minors told of how just one team member, Dwayne Hill, was willing to stick through the season which was totally unacceptable.

The remaining two members -- Corey Berkeley and Hasan Durham -- for varying reasons could not pledge their availability, leaving Minors no choice but to effect a pull-out.

"We couldn't get a commitment out of all the players for the whole season, with only one, Dwayne Hill willing to go through with it,'' explained Minors.

"Corey didn't want to play anymore, saying that he wanted to take a break, while Hasan is due to go back to school abroad in January and we couldn't get anybody else to play in their spots.

"I can't play because I have several responsibilities running the programme at The Centre and we basically did it (withdrew) for Dwayne, so that he could latch on to another team.

"Also there was the matter of costs involved. With The Centre sponsoring the team it costs $300 for the whole season and this money could be used elsewhere in another programme.'' Asked if it came as a great disappointment having to drop out less than a year after being crowned champions, Minors said: "No, not really, we've done it before.'' However, he hinted at a return for the 1996-97 season if alternative players willing to make the effort over the long haul were found.

Hill, meanwhile, appears to have already found a home for his talents at the East End, with the left-handed, attack-minded player recording two singles triumphs and a doubles victory for his new team Eastern Stars during a 7-4 disposal of BPSA on Tuesday evening.

Earlier in the week Bermuda Table Tennis Association (BTTA) president Mansfield Smith expressed regret at the move, but said that the league would survive.

"It's sad to have a team like that withdraw from all of the competitions for the rest of the season, but life goes on and we will endeavour to do our best so that table tennis continues to go forward here in the Island,'' said Smith.

Ironically, the withdrawal actually aids scheduling with there now being an even number of teams (10) in the league.