Halesowen yesterday satisfied that the short break he took back on the Island had not interfered with his good form.

The talented all-rounder, who came home three weeks ago so that he could play in the Eastern Counties competition and Cup Match, said he intended to return again next year to play in the same matches. By that time he will have moved on to a new club, Smethwick, also based in Birmingham.

"I've already made these arrangements with Smethwick -- you can bet that I will be coming back,'' said Gibbons before leaving. "I'll be 38-years-old but I will still be looking forward to competing in the local games.'' Gibbons, who will officially leave Halesowen on September 22 and join his new club in March, said that he didn't think the brief spell at home would affect his progress in England where, before leaving, he was on top of his batting form.

"I have no problems getting acquainted to the different type of wickets so it's not going to be a big deal at all when I get back to England,'' he added.

Gibbons regarded his performances in Bermuda during the three week visit as "satisfactory'', although he admitted he was disappointed with the duck he suffered while appearing for Bailey's Bay in the county game.

"I was very disappointed, it was my first ever duck in the counties but that's how the game goes. Overall though I was pleased with everything since returning.

"I got a little knock during Cup Match after taking up the invitation to open the second innings.

"It wasn't the first time I had opened in Cup Match. In fact my biggest scores have come when I've opened.'' Gibbons played in five matches during his return. Besides the duck, he scored 64 not out against Somerset Bridge, five against Police, 22 in Cup Match and 71 against Hamilton Parish on Sunday, which was his highest local score of the season.

However, his bowling was even more impressive. He took four for 33 in the county game, three for 24 against Somerset Bridge, one for 12 against Police, none for 31 in Cup Match and four for 32 against Hamilton Parish.

Meanwhile, Gibbons' search for a fast bowler to take back to Halesowen continues and among those he is considering to invite to England to spend the last month of the season with the club are Dale Fox of St. David's and Clarkie Trott of Bailey's Bay.

ON TARGET -- Noel Gibbons is congratulated by teammates after taking one of his four wickets against Hamilton Parish on Sunday.