having a rib fractured in North Village's match against Vasco on Sunday.

The former double international lasted just 35 minutes in his league debut for Village before retiring to the side after a challenge from Scott Morton.

Last November, Hill fractured a wrist while playing for Hotels against PHC and in March of this year suffered another fracture on the left hand when he was hit by a rising delivery from England fast bowler Devon Malcolm during Derbyshire's pre-season tour here.

And while the injury to Hill last year was what prompted the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control to insist that those players preparing for the ICC Trophy commit to one sport, Hill defends his decision to play soccer.

"I use it for fitness and don't see any real harm in it,'' said Hill yesterday. "It was just one of those freak accidents for me. It could have happened to anyone.'' Since the soccer season began some members of the cricket training squad have been playing for their clubs, including Olin Jones with Southampton Rangers, Del Hollis and Lionel Cann with St. David's and Dean Minors with St. George's.

Cricketer of the Year Clay Smith has just completed a three-match suspension from soccer and could soon be turning out for St. George's Colts.

Hill will be sidelined for about three weeks while he recovers from the injury. He has no fears of not being ready when the Bermuda cricket team heads for Kenya in January.

"It's a small fracture on one of the smallest of the rib bones, which they call the floating rib,'' explained Hill. "It came just as I went past one of their defenders and saw Scott on the corner of my eye coming to challenge me.'' Hill continued playing for a few more minutes before feeling some discomfort.

"I went back into midfield to get the ball and when I did a twist I could feel a bit of pain so I went immediately to the sideline to get treatment.'' Hill was taken to hospital where he was treated and released. He says he is not experiencing any serious discomfort, which normally accompanies rib fractures. "It's one of the smallest of the ribs, so I should be back training in a couple of weeks,'' he explained.

"It's just when I make an odd turn or if I twist to my right side I can feel it.'' RICKY HILL.