No stranger to the rigours of local cricket, having been prominent at Southampton Rangers for the past two decades, newly elected first vice-president of Bermuda Cricket Board of Control Keith Wainwright now prepares to carry his bat into what might be his most vital innings yet.

In what turned out to be a closer election for El James' vacated presidency than many expected, Wainwright was ultimately beaten by Reginald Pearman by a meagre four votes.

However, in typical Wainwright fashion, the veteran refused to go on the back foot and promptly ran unopposed for the second highest post on the Board.

"Going into Thursday night, for me it wasn't all about who was the favourite, it was all for the better interests of the game," Wainwright said.

"I firmly believe that as a result of me running for the presidency of the BCBC, it brought out more members.

"My position all along was to test the waters in terms of my support base. When you have issues that are raised by more than one candidate, you have a better chance to address everything that's out there.

"If a person runs unopposed, that individual tends to be lazy. He tends to be just laid back because nobody else wanted the job. They tend to think that they are doing someone else a favour. But now it's like hey! you know what, I have someone else knocking at the door. So it keeps everything in perspective. It keeps all of us on the Board sharp . . . sharp in the sense of facing the challenges that lay ahead.

"There are a number of simple things that I believe we can accomplish that seemingly were taken for granted in the past. I am a person who likes to be held accountable, so I am excited about becoming the first vice-president and obviously I have a vision looking ahead to the future.

"The next World Cup in 2007 is going to be held in the West Indies and I certainly believe that Bermuda is more than capable of hosting one of those matches. I also believe in reaching for the stars. I hope to be president of the cricket board during that period or perhaps even before."

Having now taken office, Wainwright has no intention of retiring as a player or relinquishing his position as president of the Western Counties.

"There is no conflict of interest. I have no intention of standing down as president . . .", he said. "Our AGM is coming up on February 19 and I truly believe in the democratic process and naturally any affiliate is permitted to nominate a candidate for the presidency. But I personally look forward to continuing my work in the Western Counties.

"And I don't recall having seen anything written in the constitution that says an executive member can't play.

"But I will be discussing those matters with the executives of the BCBC before I make an official announcement.

"I think it is all about responsibility and time management and I am not about to let training or any other related distraction interfere with the business of the Board."