Cup Match clubs Somerset and St. George's both appointed new presidents recently as veteran leaders stepped aside for younger men.

Reggie Pearman of Somerset and Mansfield (Bojangles) Smith of St. George's both decided against running for another term in office and were replaced by Colin Smith and Louis (Red) DeSilva respectively.

Pearman has served Somerset as an official for 30 years, first as a member of the disciplinary committee for two years before holding other posts such as assistant secretary, secretary and secretary anager inbetween two terms of president from 1978-86 and '93-98.

He hands over the reigns to his former vice-president, and is convinced the club remains in good hands.

"We've got a good stream of ex-presidents who will more or less oversee,'' said Pearman, who plans to offer his own experience whenever needed.

"I'm not in an official capacity but I'll be there if they need me,'' he promised. "I can't desert them after 30 years.'' Smith and his management committee already have a busy year ahead of them as preparation has already begun for Cup Match which the west enders will be hosting in late July.

Vice-president at Somerset is Anthony Steede, while Rochelle Saunders is secretary and Lynn Wade assistant secretary. Richard Scott is treasurer. The management committee comprises Gregory Roberts, Diane Hunt, Randolph Simmons, Eugene Dean, Shawn Roberts, Craig Brangman, Carolyn Butterfield and Cheryl Wade.

Mansfield Smith, who like Pearman has held various posts at his club, including secretary, chairman of selectors and groundsman, before taking over the presidency two years ago, stepped down to allow DeSilva to bring in new ideas.

"After last year, due to being in and out of hospital three times, I made up my mind to get out of there and take it easy,'' said Smith who cited his health as the one of the main reasons for stepping down. He is due to retire as a Customs Officer on March 25.

"My own ill-health had a lot to do with it, plus my wife has been very ill,'' said the departing president who has served the club for about 25 years in various capacities. "I love gardening so I will be putting in more time around the house.'' Smith, who anticipates continuing in his role as groundsman at the club, has confidence in his successor.

"I asked `Red' a couple of years ago (to run for the post) and he declined it at that time,'' said Smith. "I feel the club is in good hands, with fresh blood and new ideas. I hope he gets the support he deserves.'' Leon (Caledonia) Smith is vice-president, Ivan Smith secretary, Althea Richardson treasurer and Wendell Smith assistant secretary. Neil Paynter, William Richardson, Calvin Richardson, Nel Caisey, Thomas Paynter and Dennis Wainwright form the management committee.

One of DeSilva's desires is to remove the sale of alcohol as the main source of income for the club.

"When our new officers were elected I proposed to the members that I thought it would be in the best interest of our club that our new officers formulate a plan that would take us from what we now have to a more family friendly environment,'' said DeSilva.

"... An environment that would make any member of our community feel welcome as members. In order to achieve this we foresee having to go to the community and Government for support, both for technical expertise and financing.'' The new president first served the club at the age of 18 on the management committee and has held other posts such as vice-president, selection committee member, soccer coach and a member of the disciplinary committee.

"One of our aims is to take the emphasis off our bar as our main supplier of finances and try to be more creative in our fundraising,'' said DeSilva.

"We will still need fundraising for some of the projects we have in mind.''