youth tour by Canada this summer.

The games, including a match between the two countries' under-17 players, will be played between August 12 and 19.

BCBC president El James said this week the Board were delighted to have reached an agreement with the Canadians and said it was a clear indication that the two governing bodies had finally re-established the close relationship they enjoyed during the 1970s.

"We are excited about this news. The Board have stressed from the outset that we intended to place emphasis on development,'' said James.

"By putting a youth league in place last season, taking the under-16s on tour of Canada and following up with an incoming tour such as this, we are making some positive things happen that everybody can see and appreciate as we move forward with enthusiasm.'' Bermuda's squad, under coach Wayne Smith, had a successful tour of Toronto last summer, winning three games and losing just one.

Although details of the reciprocal tour have not been worked out, it is understood that Canada have taken the initiative and requested to have as many as six matches during their eight day stay.

While most of the fixtures are expected to be against the same Bermuda squad that toured Canada, games may also involve teams consisting of some of the other top players in the Shell/BF&M Youth league.

"We will release further information about the tour in the weeks ahead, but the important thing now is to let the youth of Bermuda and the public know that the Board are forging ahead with plans to develop youth cricket,'' said James.

"We are determined to concentrate on development, hoping that the public will come out and give our players the support as they perform at home against international players for the first time. This tour will also give the Board a great opportunity to see many of our other players who didn't tour last summer, realising that it will give them the chance to lift their performance against quality players.'' The Board have turned down an invitation to have a team participate in the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Youth Tournament this year even though there will be a large number of other countries involved.

The consensus is that the tournament in Barbados is too costly (an estimated $20,000 would be needed) and that since youth cricket has just been revived in the Island it would be far more advantageous to concentrate on a single short series of games against Canada at no cost to Bermuda.

The Canadians have already proven to be a good match for the Bermuda youngsters.

News of the Canadian youth tour follows closely on the heels of confirmation two weeks' ago that the once popular Triangular Cricket Tournament between the senior national teams of Bermuda, Canada and United States has been revived and scheduled to take place in Toronto from August 5-12.

There is a possibility that the US will not be ready this year because of administrative problems, but they are almost certain to take part next year.