a last-ditch sponsorship drive proved successful at troubled Halesowen Cricket Club.

MEB, the manufacturer's firm that sponsors county giants Worcestershire, has stepped in for the West Midlands club and Gibbons began his coaching chores yesterday a much-relieved man.

"This was great news. I started coaching the kids today, everything should be all right from here,'' said Gibbons, 37.

And now that his own situation has been rectified, Gibbons disclosed that his return in a few weeks' time will be twofold -- to play for Bailey's Bay against champions St. David's in the first round of the Eastern Counties Cup on July 18 and to look for a young fast bowler to join him at Halesowen.

"They are in favour of looking for a pace bowler,'' Gibbons confirmed, "and that's the job they have given me for when I come back home. We have a lot of guys back home but it will depend on if they have the time to come.'' Gibbons went into the weekend full of purpose, but second-placed Evehams CC handed them a seven-wicket pounding on Saturday after the Bermudian scored 89 out of 204. Gibbons, miffed at being bowled so close to his maiden century for the club, claimed two for 14 in six overs as Evehams amassed 206 for three.

On Sunday, Gibbons fell for his cheapest score since arriving in England, 16, but Halesowen hung on for a draw against Gloucester City.

Former West Indian Test star Alvin Kallicharran blasted 95 not out as Gloucester made 201 for seven declared. Gibbons claimed four for 19 from 10 overs. Halesowen replied with 164 for eight.

Gibbons has two half-centuries under his belt already and said that he is fitting in quite well with his team-mates. "The standard is equal to our Premier Division,'' he added.

Next Sunday, Gibbons will be reunited with Anderson Cummins who toured Bermuda with the Barbados Cavaliers in 1990 and more recently played in the World Cup for the West Indies in New Zealand and Australia this spring. Cummins is the pro at Alton Cricket Club.

NOEL GIBBONS.