Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James was recently handed a cheque by Sinclair (Brinky) Tucker to help the Board's youth development programme. The money was raised during this year's annual cricket testimonial at Lord's in September.

It marked the first year that the entire proceeds from the match were awarded to the youth programme. But Tucker assured that the gesture would be repeated next year.

"We will be do a similar thing next year. After being made aware of some of the exciting plans that the Board have for youth cricket we realise that whatever money they receive for this purpose will be put to good use,'' said Tucker.

He noted that rain had prevented this year's testimonial from raising more cash but hoped the $2,000 would go a long way towards helping the Board organise and fund some of their programmes.

"We were hoping to buy them a bowling machine to assist the youngsters during training, but we then decided to give them the cash and let them do whatever they wanted to do with it. We had no fear that they wouldn't put it to good use,'' said Tucker.

And he praised the Board's current executive committee for what they had accomplished in their first full term.

Tucker said by reviving a junior programme and taking a youth team on a successful tour of Canada -- a tour which will be repeated next season -- the Board had shown they were worthy of support from all sectors of the community.

And he urged the public and business sector to support them in future endeavours, pointing out that businesses in particular could play a vital role in helping to make the testimonial a continuing success story.

"The Board pledged to revive youth cricket and they have done so and by honouring their promise the testimonial committee had no hesitation in forwarding the entire proceeds from our game this year to them,'' he said.

"Our main purpose for forming was not only to honour people who have made great contributions to the sport but to help to raise money for youth development.'' See photo, Page 14