several prominent players on the move.

Most notable has been the departure of Bermuda national team captain and prolific early order batsman Albert Steede from Devonshire Rec. to neighbours Western Stars.

Steede yesterday confirmed the change of address, simply saying: "Yes, I've gone to Stars.'' One certainly not pleased with the news was Devonshire skipper Anthony (Pacer) Edwards, who blasted his former team-mate in a recent Mid Ocean News article.

Edwards reportedly regarded the transfer as a blatant slap in the face, this after Steede had "begged us (Devonshire) to take him back'' at the beginning of last season when the latter's planned move to St. David's fell through.

He was similarly not pleased with wicket-keeper/batsman Roger Trott's move to Bailey's Bay.

"Anytime it was up to me I wouldn't give them a transfer,'' said Edwards, currently vacationing in Barbados. "I would let them sit on the side and watch.'' Edwards, who was also a team-mate of Steede's on the Bermuda team during last year's failed ICC bid, is known to have interrupted a Stars' training session where he and Steede engaged in a heated exchange before being separated.

When asked about the issue between he and Edwards, Steede was tacit in his response.

"I'm not going to comment on any of that. I'd like to leave well enough alone and let all that stuff pass,'' said Steede, set to lead Bermuda during an Easter tour to Florida where they will play two matches against American opposition.

He was similarly unresponsive when questioned why a move was necessary, although part of the reason is believed to be the apparent lack of preparation at Devonshire leading up to the season and Steede's eagerness to get ready.

Devonshire's ranks look to be severely depleted, with brothers Mark and John Ray along with Bruce Perinchief headed back to Nationals, while seam bowler Mark Trott is set to join Steede at the St. John's Road club.

Rumoured to have joined Devonshire -- all transfers were due to be verified last night during a meeting of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) -- was medium-pace bowler Herbie Bascome, late of St. David's.

Early returns have Somerset emerging as the big winners in the `transfer stakes' having picked up five from outside the ranks.

Headed west are Chris Caisey and Brian Morris, both of Hamilton Parish, along with Somerset Bridge duo David Jones and Tony Cheeseman, as well as Quinton Burch from Southampton Rangers.

PHC have picked up the likes of former Somerset Cup Match captain Perry Maybury along with St. David's pair James Pace and Allen Richardson.

Richardson was said to have been lured by the prospect of coaching with an eye on further building the Warwick club's cricket programme.

Other notables are fast bowlers Garry Williams and Gary Crofton (both to Southampton) and middle order batsman Ricky Brangman to Stars.

MARK RAY -- On the move.