at least we used to.

Chalk down BCBC president El James as one of those among the latter group, indeed few things seem to faze the man.

Asked his feelings as Bermuda get ready to participate in next month's Red Stripe Bowl James appeared unimpressed, noting that while it may be nice to play in such tournaments he regards those such as the ICC and Americas Cup as being more important to Bermuda cricket.

Bermuda are set to travel next month to Antigua to take part in the 2000 edition of the Red Stripe alongside Guyana, Leeward Islands, Windward Islands and Cayman Islands. James made no bones about the goal being to win, but regardless of how the team does down south the competition stands more as a tune-up event as the Island prepares for the ICC Trophy tournament next year in Canada.

"The Red Stripe is mainly a stage for our guys to perform and doesn't qualify us for anything. It's just an opportunity to expose players,'' said James, his focus clearly upon Bermuda performing well enough at the ICC event to earn a World Cup berth.

"I think the Americas tournament -- when it comes to importance -- I would place ahead of what we're doing in the Red Stripe.

"The America's Cup affects our ranking, our status, so many things, whereas we could lose in the Red Stripe and it won't affect our ranking at all... but we don't intend to lose.'' As is normally the case with the Caribbean, details have been slow in coming and one can only assume that the format will entail the top two teams emerging from Groups I and II to contest the semi-finals and final.

***** SOMERSET Bridge are banking on the power of prayer ahead of tomorrow's Western Counties Cup final against Southampton Rangers.

No, they are not asking for a victory ...it's doubtful even God could grant such a miracle.

Instead the guys from White Hill have been kneeling in fellowship begging for an avalanche of rain that would make play impossible and guarantee them the cup longer than the two weeks they've held it thus far.

Indeed it would appear that Bridge have devised the perfect strategy for retaining the title, for they have absolutely no chance of beating Rangers otherwise. They might even want to consider importing a native American Indian to perform a rain dance just in case their prayers don't work.

Look for Rangers to celebrate as the fourth different club to hold the cup this series.

***** WESTERN Stars should have Somerset seeing stars come Sunday when the pair square off in one semi-final of the Knockout Cup.

Unbeaten all year long, don't expect the west enders to change the fortunes of the newly crowned Premier League champs.

The Oval in Southampton should provide the perfect `sandbox' for Albert Steede and his crew to play, while Somerset weep and moan that which is taken away.

Not nearly so lopsided is the other semi, with both Bailey's Bay and Southampton anxious to salvage something from the scraps Stars have left.

Rangers' skipper Janeiro Tucker matches wits and verbal barbs against Bay and Bermuda captain Charlie Marshall, which alone should be worth the price of admission.