fledged qualified member of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association having recently passed the final written examination.

Now the well-known official will prepare for next year's oral and practical examinations which, if he is successful, will enable him to earn consideration for major international fixtures -- possibly Tests -- like several of his colleagues.

Among the active officials who already fall into in this category are Dennis Raynor, George Trott, Luther Wilkin, Randy Butler, Alex Virgil, George Francis, Wilbur Pitcher, Jack Thompson and Madhee Shabazz.

Ronald O'Hara will also attempt to become a fully qualified umpire early next year.

In making the announcement about Harnett's success, Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association said they were also pleased with the success of three other umpires who passed their local examinations -- Wallisford Manders, Jeffrey Pitcher and Michael McGowan.

The results came as a boost to the BCUA who this year experienced one of their worst ever seasons as a result of the long dispute with Bermuda Cricket of Control which saw the umpires only officially engage in the domestic programme after the half-way stage.

"We persevered when our services were not required, continued to hold lectures and regular meetings and are pleased to see many members advance in status,'' said a spokesman for the umpires.

In addition to the busy domestic programme next season, including the possible visits by Australia in May and Jamaica in September, the BCUA are looking forward to sending a delegation to the WICUA's 17th biennial convention which will be held in St. Vincent in May. Bermuda were the hosts two years ago.

Some former members of the now defunct Bermuda Cricket Umpires Union remained concerned as they still haven't been paid for their services from last season.

Mansfield Smith said the BCBC were responsible for collecting the payment from clubs and hit out at them in a letter to The Royal Gazette back in September.

Smith confirmed yesterday that still nothing had been done in this regard even though the clubs concerned had been notified by the former officials of the Union.

"I personally am one who has not received a cent and I know of several others who haven't,'' said Smith. "I still feel that the Board should take the initiative to get the money since they were the ones to break the contract with the Union.'' It's understood the BCUA are also frustrated by lack of payment from clubs and are still attempting to persuade several to settle their outstanding bills.

Bermuda's Under-19 cricket squad will play in a practice match on Sunday at the Royal Naval Field, starting at 10 a.m.