In 1993 he was being touted as the second coming of Southampton Rangers fast bowling great Sinclair (Brinky) Tucker.

Brash and stylish, Garry Williams seemed destined for the big time. He was fast, confident and was not afraid to let anyone close know that he was "the man.'' Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Ed Bailey was so impressed with the teenage sensation that he personally ushered him into the national squad that toured Barbados for a series of practice matches.

However, strange things happened on that tour.

Williams endured severe problems with his run up and was battered by the West Indian batsmen even when he did. His confidence rocked, Williams' slide continued upon his return home and he rarely came close to duplicating earlier promise. Until now -- and it could not have come at a better time.

During the current season, Williams, a fast bowler for the Rangers, has bagged some 22 wickets, more than half his total for the whole of last year, when he claimed 35 at an average of 18.46, with best figures of five for 34.

And with Cup Match around the corner the recently turned 21-year-old has his eyes focussed on -- what else -- a place in Somerset's Cup Match squad and reestablishing himself as a bowler to be reckoned with.

"I've been trying out for Cup Match since I was 17. It's always been my dream to play Cup Match and I really feel 1996 is my chance right here,'' said Williams.

"This season, with us being down in the First Division, my game has come up, my fitness is up, my run up is even smoother than last year and right now I feel my chances are very good of making the side.'' He sent a resounding message to the west end selectors during Rangers' match against PHC, seizing six for 40 from 12 overs, two of which were maidens. And the haul left no doubt in the mind of the youngster that he is indeed ready to take on the August 1-2 mid-summer classic as his stage.

"I think I have a lot to offer, for Rangers, Somerset Cup Match team and for Bermuda as well. I'm up and coming, young, fit and ready to go,'' he said, a broad grim stretching across chiseled features.

"I think under pressure I can perform. I call myself a big day boy, I can perform under pressure and handle it.

"(But) it's up to the selectors. The best 13 that they pick and best 11 that will start, it's all up to them, but I think my chances are very good and that me and Roger Blades would create a nice pairing that could make things happen.'' Williams said working with coaches Randy Raynor, a former bowler for Somerset in Cup Match, and former great allrounder John Tucker has helped rid of his previous technical problems. The pair, he said, had aided greatly in his being able to rectify hitches in his technique, while age he said had matured his mind and attitude towards the game.

"In the past at times I'd pick up a wicket in like my first or second over and I'd try to come back and bowl faster and faster, and I think that was a problem right there.

"But with age I think my bowling has come a lot and this season it has really shown. Everything's looking up.''