the defence of their Premier Division cricket title, after their match with Willow Cuts was one of three that fell victim to a shortage of fields.

The usual problems experienced at the start of the season with the lack of fields forced Bermuda Cricket Board of Control to call off three of tomorrow's eight matches, leaving just a five-match schedule for the 1995 opening day.

The Willow Cuts-Bailey's Bay clash was considered the match of the day, but Cuts could not find a venue as a number of fields are still not ready for play. Bay's own ground is ready but Cleveland, who also use Sea Breeze Oval as their home field, will be using it for their season-opener against Somerset.

Somerset have picked up some new players and Tony Cheeseman from Somerset Bridge and Curtis Lee, Chris Caisey and Brian Morris of Hamilton Parish are included in their squad for tomorrow. Charles Swan is again the captain.

The West Enders' own field is not available, which affected Willow Cuts' search for a venue while another West End team, Somerset Bridge, also had their match with Warwick postponed because of the same problem.

Social Club, who use St. John's Field for home matches, had their game against Nationals postponed. National Sports Club is still being used for rugby.

The BCBC has confirmed that all three matches will be rescheduled.

In the games that go ahead, the best should be between former champions St.

George's and Western Stars at Wellington Oval, Cleveland and Somerset and Police and St. David's at Police Field.

Stars will be favoured to take maximum points from their visit to the East End as the home team will be without key players, three of whom -- captain Graham Fox, Dean Minors and Clay Smith -- are in Florida with a BCBC team.

Stars will be without Hasan Durham and new signing Albert Steede who are also in Florida for the short tour.

Devonshire Rec. are at home to Flatts while improved PHC, who will have player-coach Allen Richardson making his debut, are eagerly awaiting their visit to Southampton Oval to meet the Rangers who have fast bowler Garrick Williams back in their fold.