Originally elected to the position of vice-captain just prior to the start of the season, Smith has been forced to withdraw because of work commitments.

Smith is currently employed as a houseman at the Sonesta Beach Hotel and is required to work on Saturday and Sunday -- his days off are Tuesday and Wednesday -- and management has so far refused a request for a change.

"I have been talking to my bosses and they said that there is no way they can give me weekends off, period,'' said Smith, who was allowed some leeway to train on Saturday's during the initial stages of the ICC team's preparation.

He was conspicuous by his absence from Bay's opening victory over PHC on Sunday at Sea Breeze Oval.

"I'm disappointed, because I was appointed vice-captain and was looking forward to that challenge and now I'll have to wait longer to accept that challenge.

"The whole season looks like it's going totally down the drain and I was really looking to settle down and play a senior role.

"I was feeling comfortable in the nets, timing and hitting the ball well.'' The situation also threatens Smith's ambition of helping Bay defend its Eastern Counties crown, as well as challenge for a place in St. George's Cup Match side.

However, emphasising his new-found maturity, Smith noted that work must come first, especially with the added financial responsibility of supporting a young daughter.