goes according to the plan of Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James.

Such a scenario would be realised if the Island is successful in ventures this summer involving the under-19 national team and the senior side.

Indeed the BCBC recorded a coup when they seized the reins as host country of the Under-19 Americas Regional Tournament when original hosts the United States pulled out.

Thus it would appear that, while the seniors have an arduous journey through the ICC Trophy, involving some 24 associate member countries at the competition in Canada during June and July, the youngsters need only win out over the likes of Canada, United States, Argentina and Cayman Islands.

"We've been trying to get into the senior World Cup for some time, which has been our one and only chance to perform on that stage,'' said James yesterday.

"But now that this region has organised itself as the America's Region, and are having this Under-19 Regional Tournament, there is the possibility that the winners of the tournament will represent the region in the Under-19 World Cup. "So we have two shots at making our presence felt on the international scene now, at the under-19 level and the senior level.'' Last year saw Bermuda send three junior players to the World Cup as members of the Americas squad, which drew players from many of the region's member countries, much as the West Indies formulate their representative teams.

However, that was prior to the formation of any regional-type qualifier, which now affords both an avenue and incentive for the various nations.

To their credit, James and his team at the BCBC showed little hesitation in grasping the opportunity to act as hosts once approached by the ICC. James admitted the prospect of having the team cheered on by a home crowd had been an incentive.

"The US was supposed to host the tournament in August, we just received word from the ICC that they were having problems and they asked if we could do it here,'' explained the president. "The biggest problem was accommodation, but we've sorted that out, so it looks like we will have it here in some time after Cup Match, which will be a real boost for local cricket. "I rate our chances as being very good. I feel that we have a great chance of qualifying.

At this time I would venture to say that, on paper, it should come down to Canada and Bermuda, and the fact that we have the home advantage I would -- without any bias -- go with our boys.'' Currently the squad is training on Saturdays at Royal Naval Field under the tutelage of former Bermuda international Winston Reid.

Reid is also handling the senior squad in the absence of national coach Roland Butcher, who is still in England sorting out personal affairs brought on by his need to relocate.

Still, James said that all was well with the senior squad as they approach, first, the incoming MCC tour in May, followed by the ICC Trophy.

"The senior squad is going along well,'' he said. "We may have to look at the numbers as we will have to do some drug testing soon, which we want to get out of the way early.

"I don't anticipate any fallout as a result of that, but we want to get our numbers pretty stable long before the tournament.'' Bermuda's under-15s are also due for some overseas travelling, with the team making a reciprocal visit to Cayman Islands in July, following the Caribbean country's 2000 tour here.

There is also a possibility of an under-13 team being drafted to take part in an event in Disney World, Florida. However, this may not come off because of the dates being set in October, a busy time at school.

Bermuda set to join new regional cricket association -- Page 27 El James: high hopes for juniors