Scotland-based Bermuda cricketer Lionel Cann has fully recovered from a groin injury and says he's preparing to return home, hopeful of taking part in Cup Match.

From late May through to mid-June the all-rounder was limited to batting and fielding duties while he nursed the injury during appearances for Scottish League side, Arbroath.

However, yesterday Cann proclaimed himself fully fit and on target for participation in St. George's' final trial on July 27 and then the annual classic -- if picked.

"Everything is just brilliant,'' said Cann when contacted at his home in the Highlands. "My bowling has been limited by a groin injury, but it's healed now and I'm bowling great.

"The conditions up here really make the ball move and it's been diving all over the place for me.'' Cann's latest performances have resulted in a pair of two wicket hauls, with the Bermudian claiming two for 37 from 15 overs against Watsonians during a 14-run loss -- he also managed 31 runs batting at number four -- and followed that up with two for 31, again from 15 overs, in an abandoned match against West Lothian.

Last month was not a particularly good one for Arbroath as they plummeted from second place in the ten-team league to their current position, fifth.

During that span they lost four out of six matches, with one draw and one abandonment.

Cann himself has moved up and down the order, at one stage opening the innings.

His batting scores for the months of June and July read: 33 (v Heriots -- loss), 15 (v Carlton -- draw), 33 (v Aberdeenshire -- loss), 39 (v Prestwick -- loss), 31 (versus Watsonians -- loss).

Hard-hitting early order batsman Glenn Smith continues to sparkle for Benwell of the Northumberland County League.

Smith registered scores of 94 and 49 on Wednesday and Saturday respectively as Benwell enjoyed mixed fortunes.

The weekend fixture saw the Bermudian and his team-mates up against Tynemouth, with Tynemouth batting first and reaching 168 before being dismissed.

Benwell collapsed to 140, although Smith distinguished himself, just missing a half century as he was out to what he termed a rather dubious lbw decision.

Wednesday saw the club bounce back from that defeat during the second round of the Tyneside Charity Bowl, taking out their frustrations on Burnlopsield.

Batting first, Benwell reached 163 for seven in their allotted overs with Smith in devastating form, cracking 94.

Their opponents could manage only 153 in reply, allowing Benwell throuhg to the next round.

Like Cann, Smith is set to return to Bermuda later this month with the intent of once again being chosen as a member of the St. George's Cup Match team.

Smith is also eying selection for the upcoming Shell/Sandals Tournament in the Caribbean.

Thrust into an unfamiliar role playing against Bermuda during their recent tour of England, Smith struck a stylish century for a Northumberland League Select, albeit in a losing cause.

LIONEL CANN -- fully recovered from a groin injury.