and a fossil of a one time great.

"He's hanging on too long,'' said some, "Why does he not give a younger player a chance,'' were the loud whispers of others.

These words being spoken of one of Bermuda's -- if not the -- most decorated active cricketers.

Manders captained the Island at the 1986 and 1990 ICC tournaments in England and Holland, appeared in Cup Matches 13 times between 1978 and 1994 scoring two centuries and has captained local club Western Stars to every available title during his tenure at the helm.

He has proven to be a powerful middle order batsman, but can bat anywhere, evidenced by St. George's use of the right-hander in the opener position on numerous occasions during the mid-summer classic.

He was unceremoniously discarded from the national squad following the 1994 ICC Tournament in Kenya and dropped from Cup Match last year for a believed record fourth time.

But Manders remained himself. A confident leader -- almost arrogant -- dedicated to his club and the team kept winning, although suddenly he was being more regarded as a bowler than a batsman.

This season has already witnessed a slimmed down version resurface as a result of dedication to a new conditioning regimen, a recall to the national programme...could a Cup Match reprieve be next? A loud signal went out to a certain band of selectors last weekend when Manders bashed a pair of centuries on consecutive days and recorded his best bowling figures of the season.

His 102 not out and six for 52 on Saturday staked Somerset Bridge to the Western Counties championship, while a typically belligerent 104 and figures of two for 36 the next day allowed Stars to claim a piece of revenge against cross town rivals Police, who grabbed the Central Counties crown from the St.

John's Road Club a few weeks ago.

"It's been a long time coming, I haven't really had much opportunity to bat this year being I've been batting at six and seven.

"Most of the opportunities where I've had 26 to 30 overs to bat I've accumulated runs.'' "I'm feeling real good about the way I'm hitting the ball right now and most impressed by the way I'm bowling.

Asked if the showings were meant as a message to St. George's, as we enter the pre-Cup Match period of speculation, Manders' tone quickly became frigid.

"No, no, no,'' said Manders, "not really. I love to play cricket and I love to do the best that I can do.

"I haven't even bothered with Cup Match, it wasn't a concern of mine and I don't think I have to prove myself every year to a group of selectors, my record speaks for itself...I'll just let that be.

"I'm not going down there to get another kick in my tail.

"I've always had a profound confidence in my ability, it doesn't make any difference what anybody else thinks.

"I'm 37-years-old and I think I am the premier allrounder in Bermuda and have been for the last 10-15 years and if (people) think I'm too old then that's their business, but you're only as young as you feel.'' No doubt his comments were tinged with the discontent of being omitted in 1995, a year that was supposed to mark his farewell anyway, but on the field not as a spectator.

Would he accept a place if offered? Manders was mum on the topic, but indications -- body language -- were that he would at least consider.

His immediate focus he said was to shed some more pounds in advance of the Shell/Sandals tournament that Bermuda is currently preparing for, followed by the ICC Tournament early next year in Malaysia, which -- if selected -- would in all likelihood be his last.

Just how long does Manders figure he can go, while remaining a force at the top level and just how long can he go? "I think if I get to Malaysia we would probably make it to the World Cup,'' said Manders, his eyes brightening.