cricket matches by the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association -- claiming that miscommunication between the two parties had caused the situation to escalate.

And spokesman for the White Hill club, Randy Bean, had harsh words for PHC player/coach Allen Richardson, saying that his club were partly responsible for Bridge being unable to meet their financial obligations.

Bridge are known to owe the BCUA some $1200 for outstanding umpires' fees.

Disputing comments made by Richardson in yesterday's Gazette , Bean said that the Warwick club themselves "had not paid'' fees for the use of White Hill Field last season and this had caused Bridge's financial position to worsen.

"PHC haven't paid their bill from last season and I strongly disagree with what Allen Richardson said about us causing them to be punished when they haven't fulfilled their own obligations,'' said a clearly disturbed Bean.

However, with regard to his club's own failure to pay umpires' fees, Bean said that is was his understanding that the association should have made contact with the club, and not vice-versa.

His statement strongly differed from that of BCUA president Dennis Raynor, who on Thursday said that officials would not be assigned to games involving Bridge until "they take some type of step to deal with the matter''.

"We have had meetings with them (BCUA) and at the last meeting about two weeks ago they were supposed to get back to us regarding methods of payment,'' added Bean.

"We have a lot of bills, many of which were inherited, not created, by the current administration and we're doing our utmost to clarify all of these situations.

"Also, we're owed a lot of money and the wheels are in motion to solve this.

"It's not like the matter won't be tackled, it is active and is certainly one of our priority matters.'' Bean added that he understood and, personally, did not disagree with the BCUA's refusal to designate umpires until a system of payment was established.

Meanwhile, another committee member, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was time for the club to take severe action against delinquent parties.

"We've been lenient and tried to operate on a friendly basis with (PHC) and they choose to blame us in the media...it's time for us to take care of business,'' he said.

"I personally will attempt to have the committee take action to have them pay for the field the $1,200 they owe us from last season or deny them use of the field and then we can take care of the BCUA.

"I find it very strange for them to come out in public and say things about my club when they owe us and are part of the problem.'' There was no word on whether the BCUA would supply even one umpire for Bridge's two matches this week and have the opposing clubs foot the bill as suggested by Richardson and Vance Gilbert of today's opponents Willow Cuts.

Raynor, along with secretary Randy Butler and treasure Janet (Pinky) Todd departed yesterday for St. Vincent to participate in the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association bi-ennial conference.