Promising batsman Oronde Bascome is the favourite to succeed Ryan Steede as St.George's' Cricket Club skipper following the latter's sudden resignation earlier this week.

The right-handed opening batsman, currently training with the senior national squad, is understood to be the leading candidate to take over the reins of a St.George's side reeling from the losses of key players, coach George Cannonier and sports chairman Kenny Foggo.

St.George's have not enjoyed the best of starts in this year's 50-overs campaign, losing to Police by five wickets and more recently by 200 runs to defending league champions Young Men's Social Club.

And it this disappointing run of form which many believe may have prompted Steede's decision to stand down early in his second year as captain of a club that not long ago were a force to be reckoned with.

Steede did not return calls yesterday.

However, club sources confirmed the seam bowler had informed St.George's hierarchy of his resignation by written correspondence earlier this week.

Steede has come under heavy pressure in recent weeks and his team's massive loss to Social Club at Devonshire Rec. last weekend may have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

Bascome, long considered as one to guide the Cup Match club in the future, is now expected to lead St.George's against St. David's tomorrow at Lords in an all East End derby.

Elsewhere tomorrow, defending league champs Social Club travel west to take on Somerset at Somerset Cricket Club with unbeaten Police and Southampton Rangers poised to do battle at Police Field.

Newly promoted Devonshire continue their search for a first win back in the top flight against unbeaten league leaders Cleveland County at the Den.

Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) have scheduled three First Division matches for today with PHC taking on Willow Cuts at White Hill Field, Flatts locking horns with Leg Trappers at Lords while Warwick and Bailey's Bay have been pitted against each other at Somerset Cricket Club.

Led by an unbeaten 93 from the bat of Chris Douglas, Warwick pulled off a stunning eight-wicket win over Leg Trappers in their previous outing and will look to build on that success against Bailey's Bay.

First Division action then continues tomorrow with Somerset Bridge at home to Willow Cuts and Western Stars taking on PHC at Southampton Oval.

All matches begin at 11 a.m.