bowlers as Roger Blades heads back to his native Barbados.

Blades' decision to quit the Police Service means that local cricket will lose a player who has made a big impact at both club and national level since his arrival on the Island eight years ago.

A regular with Police Recreation Club, Blades' aggressive bowling and adventurous approach with the bat earned him places in the Somerset Cup Match team and the Bermuda national team for whom he played in one ICC Trophy tournament and two West Indies regional competitions.

He last represented Bermuda at the Red Stripe Bowl in Jamaica last October.

El James, president of Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, admitted the departure of Blades would be a blow to Bermuda cricket.

James, who has been an admirer of Blades' competitiveness and aggressive approach whether batting or bowling, said: "He will be a huge loss to Bermuda cricket. His whole approach to the sport was one that could inspire our young players. "It's unfortunate that Bermuda cricket will have to endure the loss of a player of his high calibre.'' Similar sentiments were uttered by Police team spokesman and team member Richard Austin. "There's no doubt that Blades will be a big miss to our team.

I can't really see any replacement when it comes to pace. It will mean that others will just have to step up their performances,'' said Austin.

"He has so many outstanding qualities. He is level headed which is something that is sadly missing in a lot of the senior players around today and he could be decsribed as three players in one with his all-round abilities.'' However, Blades will not be severing all ties with Police as he will be involved with the team during next month's International Cricket tournament in Barbados from April 16 to May 4 -- a competition which will have the local team playing against their counterparts from 14 other countries.

What the future holds for Police on the domestic scene without their ace player remains to be seen. "`He was definitely the fastest bowler we've had here, no two ways about it,'' said Austin. "He has suffered from fitness problems, a lot asthma related, but when he is on form he is head and shoulders above anybody else.'' ROGER BLADES -- Top bowler returns to Barbados.