action should be taken against two clubs who have already forfeited two matches in the new season.

The failure of Somerset Bridge and Social Club to field teams for First Division games is cause for serious concern, according to Board president El James.

"It's something that we have to sort out before it gets totally out of hand because it's affecting so many people, such as opposing players, umpires and our scheduling committee,'' said James.

"We just cannot allow this to happen without looking into it in depth. Surely the clubs who have entered teams in the division must be accountable for allowing this to occur.'' But, as he had pointed out on previous occasions, James said there were problems that some clubs were bound to face both going into the season and during the season regarding the availability of players.

He noted that the lack of a prominent junior programme for eight years had hindered the influx of new players to replenish squads as older cricketers moved out of the game.

While the exact problems at Somerset Bridge and Social Club have yet to be established, James reckoned there could be a connection. However, Bridge registered more than 20 players at the beginning of the season.

The Board could be faced with a dilemma -- whether to encourage and give the clubs more time to increase their ranks or to expel both and then readjust the First Division schedule for the remaining five teams.