16, new Eastern Counties champions Bailey's Bay are preparing to stage their first county match in seven years.

Improvements at Sea Breeze Oval, which include the filling in of about 40-feet of shoreline on the eastern end, the clearing and improving of seating areas around the field and the erecting of fencing around the grounds, are all designed to make the large crowds as comfortable as possible when the series begins.

"Now there is enough space to sit and walk around,'' said president Randolph (Shorty) Spencer.

"We feel happy at this stage, there has been a lot of support from management and members. Things are going according to plan.

"We're hoping to hold on for awhile, fix up the field and have a nice facility like St. David's have done over the years.'' The club's blueprint for improvement also include increased parking, with club property across from Bay corner being used as well as Duck's Puddle.

Shuttles are planned to transport fans to the ground from the parking spot furthest from the ground.

One major change from when the cup was last in Bailey's Bay is the increased population in the area brought on by the Duck's Puddle Condominium development. Already the club has been in contact with the residents explaining their plans to erect a fence and hearing their concerns.

"We're in our final stages of the fencing going up and we hope to have it done by June 28,'' said Spencer who is in his fourth year as president.

For the cricketers there will be an upgrading of their pavilion area and improvement of the pitch.

The allocation of spots for the matches became available yesterday for members and tomorrow Thursday for non-members. "Members are reminded they have to pay an entry fee because this is being hosted by the Eastern Counties Association and not Bailey's Bay,'' Spencer pointed out.