The Island's senior national programme came to an abrupt halt yesterday following the Bermuda Cricket Board's announcement that a planned tour of Trinidad in May has been scrapped.

That decision comes on the heels of the International Cricket Council's decision to axe September's World Cup Qualifying series in Los Angeles.

"The decision to cancel the training camp was not an easy one to make," BCB President Reggie Pearman conceded. "The executive considered a number of aspects and factors that influence the development and preparation of the national team for our various international commitments."

Despite this latest setback Pearman remained optimistic about the chances of Bermuda competing in September's Red Stripe Bowl in the Caribbean.

The Board sees the Red Stripe as an ideal launching pad for the national squad ahead of next year's ICC America's Senior Championship scheduled to take place here.

Bermuda are set to compete against the likes of Argentina, USA, Cayman Island and a Canadian squad that saw action during this year's World Cup Finals in South Africa.

"As I previously mentioned, the board have been actively pursuing entry to the Red Stripe Bowl in September as well as exploring Bermuda's options to play against other associate countries currently ranked in the top 12," Pearman said.

The announcement, however, does not effect the Island's Under-19 squad, currently preparing to qualify for the 2004 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Bermuda's youngsters begin their quest to advance through to the finals in Canada in July.

Rather than looking back Pearman, meanwhile, said preferred to look forward.

"We are due to host the ICC America's Senior Championship in 2004 which will see Argentina, USA, Cayman Island and Canada visit our shores," he said.

"We are also still focused on the World Cup qualifying tournament in Ireland in 2005 which will see three or four associate countries move on to the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies."

Though Pearman refused to confirm it, it is now believed that all national team practice has been suspended, with the limited few who did respond to the call to national team duty now expected to return to their respective clubs as the start to the 2003 season fast approaches.

The Island's Under-19 squad will play against newly instated First Division club Leg Trappers this Saturday at the National Sports Centre in a 45-over contest which gets underway at 11.30 a.m.

The following players have been asked to attend: Jekon Edness (capt), Delyone Borden, Dion Stovell, Johnny Ball, Allan Douglas Jr, Treadwell Gibbons Jr, Jahson Smith, Shannon Raynor, Andrew Raynor, Shane Hollis, Orande Bascome, Michael Paynter, Lamar Caines, Jacobi Robinson, Kian Butterfield, Loren Marshall, Reid Trott, Stephen Kelly, George O'Brien Jr, Dwia Blyden, Rodney Trott, Bilal Lambert, Kamen Tucker.