on Saturday have been dashed.

On the same day last week The Royal Gazette reported that the 15-year-old all-rounder had been cleared to play in the competition, came the news later that night that he was in fact still ineligible.

West lives in Shelly Bay which is outside the boundary for Bailey's Bay players, though he had qualified through having played two years for the club's youth team.

However, Eastern Counties Cricket Association officials contacted the club last week to inform them that West would have to wait another year before making his debut.

"They're saying he has to play two seasons with the club because he doesn't live in the area,'' said Nolan Walker, Sports Chairman at the club.

"Coming through the junior programme, most people would think he's automatically eligible but they're (ECCA) saying that is not the case.'' Walker admitted the news was disappointing for both the club and West as he had a good chance of being selected.

"There was a lot of talk about him making the side, and he had a very good chance of making it, but this is a decision that they've made and we're just forced to go along with it,'' said Walker. "I thought the timing was real bad because here it is one day the fella's hopes have been boosted and that same night it's learned he's not eligible, which is a bit unfortunate.'' Bay, who lost the cup last year to St. David's in the final, are gunning for revenge on home soil now that the competition is alternating yearly between Lord's and Sea Breeze Oval.

The challengers are set to pick their team tonight when Noel Gibbons' inclusion for his 30th successive year in the counties will be discussed.

Gibbons hasn't played for Bay this season, having been playing cricket abroad.

He was due to return to Bermuda yesterday and his inclusion is being challenged by some members at the club who feel it is unfair to overlook a youngster in favour of Gibbons, who has said he wants this to be his final year in the Eastern Counties.

Also missing from the Bay team will be dashing batsman Glenn Blakeney, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. He also must attend a wedding on Saturday, said Walker.

"He's a big miss but we can't do anything about that,'' he said.

Walker insisted the team's build-up to the first round of the Eastern Counties, the second biggest cricket competition next to Cup Match, was going well.

"We're in good shape and feeling extremely confident, hoping that the weather holds out for us,'' said Walker.

Bay will make three at least three changes with Corey Hill suspended and wicketkeeper Roger Trott out for most of the season. Ricky Hill, who did not play last year, looks certain to fill one of the spots.