Heading to the West Indies Cricket Academy, Bailey's Bay's talented all-rounder Stephen Outerbridge promptly says this is just the first step towards fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional.

Outerbridge, who received a travel voucher from Bermuda Cricket Board of Control treasurer Neil Speight yesterday, is due to depart for the Grenada on Monday.

Bermuda's former Under-19 skipper has enrolled in the summer semester at the Academy, a world renowned training facility for developing talented cricketers.

"If everything goes well, I am looking forward to going over to England or wherever else I can strive to become a professional," said Outerbridge after the presentation.

"I have talked a lot to my president (Allan Walker) and (team mate) Irving Romaine so I am really looking forward to gong overseas and gaining more knowledge for my club and country.

"It's a privilege and an honour to be a representative of the young players of Bermuda at the academy. I am extremely grateful to the board, the Marketplace and the countless number of people that have helped me earn this opportunity.

"On my return I will be keen to share the knowledge, experience and training techniques that I will have learned at the national and club level."

Meanwhile, Bay president Walker - who accompanied Outerbridge to the presentation - said that he was looking forward to greater things from his young all-rounder when he returns from overseas.

"On behalf of Bailey's Bay Cricket Club we are always thrilled to know that we have an abundance of talent at the club and Stephen represents that," said Walker.

"We are also looking forward to seeing him return as a much-improved and better cricketer not only on the field but also off the field. We are expecting great things from him."

BCBC president Reggie Pearman added: "We have plans to continue to create these kinds of openings for Bermuda's young cricketers.

"We expect that they, in turn, can help players, coaches and officials at their respective clubs improve local cricket programmes and methodologies."

It appears as if Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association is still plagued by a shortage of officials for the 2002 cricket season which shifts into top gear this weekend.

While there will only be one official designated for all of tomorrow's Combined KO first round matches, Sunday's opening round of league fixtures will fare no better, as at least three matches will be played with only one recognised official out in the middle.