the tune of $13,000 -- for this season at least.

And TeleBermuda International Limited's sponsorship is unique in that their funding will be limited to supplying all of the senior clubs with new balls.

"TBI have taken a lot of pressure off all of the clubs and their support is something that we truly appreciate,'' said Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James.

"Cricket balls are very expensive and for them to provide all of the balls this season means that the clubs will have had a great financial burden taken off their shoulders.'' While welcoming the company's decision to support the sport, James stressed he would still be pursuing additional help from the business community.

And he felt the signal that TBI were sending, combined with the backing of companies such as Shell, BF&M and John Barritts, suggested the business community were now more willing to throw their support behind cricket.

BTI vice president Claude Bourque said: "TeleBermuda was asked to provide assistance to help fund the local programme which would continue to aid in the development of young Bermudians. We believe personal development of individuals can be gained through teamwork, building self-confidence and inspiring motivation. Sports is one method of achieving this goal and we are happy to be involved.'' James said that he also hoped that with newcomers like BTI coming into the fold, the way might be cleared for additional companies, including former sponsors, to return and lend their support.

"What we must get through to the community is that we still are in need of sponsorship because we've got a lot of things that we want to do. One area that we want to work on is coaching, we intend to work at improving it in so many areas,'' said the president.

"We are pleased at the moment with the way cricket is going. The response to the youth programme has been overwhelming, the crowd support has been good and the response so far to the senior league shows maybe we are looking at a resurgence of interest in the sport at large.

"I think the youth develpment plan has been infectious, it looks good and again the sponsorship was vital in having cricket at that level revived. Randy Horton and his Youth Development Committee need to be praised for the work they have done to date. In addition things at a senior level are going well.

The success of the Camel Cup on the weekend proved this.'' According to James, there are strong indications that the Bermuda public will see plenty of good cricket this season as a result of the increase in enthusiasm.

"I would hope that we will continue to move in a positive direction which will give people the reassurance that we are on the right track, giving them and the players the opportunity to enjoy this great character building sport once again,'' said James.

"And with the sponsors coming aboard, it clearly shows that they have faith in what we are trying to do. We at the Board can't help but feel excited about the future of cricket in our Island and that's why we intend to work hard towards improving our various programmes.'' James noted that clubs could pick up their new balls at the BCBC offices any time during business hours.