search for a national coach although there is still no sign that an appointment is imminent.

While a lack of funding has hampered progress, BCBC president El James this week assured that appointing somebody to the vacant position remained a high priority.

"We are still in need of money for a national cricket coach and the appointment of an qualified individual for this position is still one of the board's priorities,'' said James.

"But I can say that things are happening in this area and that we are hopeful that something really positive can come out of our various discussions in the near future.'' With the season still relatively young, the general feeling is that James and his new committee have restored faith in the sport -- among players, spectators and sponsors.

Yet James points out that there is plenty on the agenda, including the hiring of a coach, preferably with international experience, to implement several national programmes.

James admitted that finding funds for that purpose had been tough with the Board's approach to Government for an extra $50,000 to pay the post having been turned down in March by former Sports Minister Tim Smith.

Although John Barritt has taken over the Sports Ministry, the Board have no plans to make a new approach to Government.

However, James noted that there were several moves afoot that could help to solve the problem, particularly since the visit to Bermuda of the new ICC Development officer for this region, John Sheppard, just a few weeks ago.

According to James, Sheppard's job is to assess each of the countries and their needs.

"He's been here and done what he had to do, now we will just have to wait and see what comes out of his report,'' said James. "It's possible that we may get some very positive advice or direction about all of this from ICC, but the bottom line still is that money will be required for things such as a national coach or any courses that may be implemented.'' He added: "What is important is that we are working on things, we are certainly still reviewing our options and any new options that may have developed as a result of Sheppard's visit.'' Meanwhile, the board are making use of the $120,000 grant that they were awarded from Government -- much less than the original $335,000 for which they had applied.

Former Sports Minister Smith said some months ago that since the Board's initial request for money ($50,000) to employ a full-time coach, a further letter had been received from the BCBC indicating their need for some $335,000 to cover all of their budgeted requirements for the year -- including coaching.

"I have looked through all of the budgets for the year and have allocated about $120,000 to the BCBC, and they are able to use that grant in areas of coaching, new equipment and other administrative use,'' said Smith.

"Unfortunately I wasn't able to support all of their requirements. I was able to support it to the tune of $120,000, which is largely my grant funding request this year. I have gone up again. Not only have I the same groups asking me for more money but I have more groups asking for money,'' he added.

Smith felt that cricket was now in a healthy position, with many new sponsors climbing on board.

"It's certainly a testimony to any sports governing body that is able to show a plan and a vision for the future. As bodies like the BCBC do that, more businesses in Bermuda will be delighted to see that management plan in place and probably will be more likely to offer assistance in sponsorship,'' he said.