The Commercial Cricket League, shrugging off a snub by the Island's senior clubs, will open their new season on Sunday with an expanded line-up following the return of Police Recreation Club.

Earlier this year national coach Mark Harper, as part of his wide-ranging plans to restructure cricket in the Island, invited the Commercial League to enter two teams for the first time in this season's BCBC Knockout competition - an offer that was snapped up.

It was decided by Harper that last season's league and knockout champions St. David's and a representative XI would represent the Commercial League and a fee for the teams' entry was agreed with Bermuda Cricket Board of Control secretary Molly Simons.

But at a recent special general meeting the plan was rejected by senior clubs, apparently on the grounds that the Commercial League is not part of the BCBC.

It was a bizarre decision given that two years ago the Commercial League agreed with then-president El James to come under the BCBC umbrella, ending 30 years of self-imposed isolation.

The senior clubs' decision to hit the knockout plan on the head has sparked anger among Commercial League teams whose standards have been steadily rising in recent seasons and whose players were keenly looking forward to challenging some of the 'big boys' this year.

Said one player: "This decision has left a bitter taste - it almost looks as if some of the top clubs are scared to play the Commercial League."

BCBC president Reggie Pearman has not ruled out Commercial League participation in the future and is keen to strengthen ties between the BCBC and the Commercial League.

He said yesterday of the clubs' rejection of Harper's plan: "I do not view this as a major setback. I believe that there is a bright future for both organisations and we will continue to explore mutually beneficial programmes and opportunities for cricket in Bermuda."

Pearman and Commercial League secretary/treasurer Dave Carruthers are due to meet next Monday - a day after the new season opens with four matches - for exploratory talks.

The return of Police, who have had two earlier stints in the Commercial League, brings to nine the number of clubs in the league. Police are hoping to use Police Field for their home matches - a bonus for Commercial teams who are forced to play most of their fixtures on astroturf pitches at Shelly Bay, Garrison Field and the Royal Naval Field.

St. David's open the defence of their title with a home match at Lord's against Devonshire Stars, last season's bottom club.

The fixtures are:

Watford Sports Club v Forties, Royal Naval Field; Leg Trappers v Jamaican Association, Garrison Field; North Village v West Indian Association, Shelly Bay; St. David's v Devonshire Stars, Lord's. Bye: Police Recreation Club . Games start at 12.30.