problems.

A total of 19 goals were scored in the opening two matches at Somerset Cricket Club -- one of them knocked in by a 69-year-old.

The league, for players over 40, and including some of the best players the Island has seen, had been in the planning stages for almost two years.

After two East v West exhibition matches at Devonshire Recreation Club last month it had been hoped to get competitive games under way almost immediately.

But, claimed organiser David Burch, the idea was never fully embraced by some of the Island's football clubs and the Bermuda Football Association itself.

"Certain people were discouraging us. They were saying: `You guys are has-beens.' A lot of guys thought it wasn't happening,'' he said. "Now, they've seen us get 900 people out there at our games and they all want senior soccer at their grounds.'' He added: "People are constantly asking when the games are happening. The players all want to play and I believe it is going to work out. It's not about money, we all just want to play from our hearts -- and to keep our old bodies healthy.'' Paget Bombadiers and Cleveland opened proceedings and it turned into a goal glut with the Bombadiers running out 7-4 winners.

Alan Fray and Randy Bean both grabbed two for them with Sam Newsome, Oscar Samuels and Sheridan (Dicky) Hollis completing the scoring. McAll Smith was among those on the scoresheet for Cleveland.

And the carnival of goals didn't stop there as Dock Hill Rangers and West End Rovers combined to provide eight more in a 5-3 Rangers triumph.

Burch himself was on target twice for Dock Hill, with Clarence (Nipper) Parsons also grabbing a brace and George Ray, in his 70th year, getting the other. Gladstone Robinson, Oscar Samuels -- playing his second game of the night after an early injury to a West End player -- and Bubba Showers netting for Rovers.

The next games are hoped to be played at Devonshire Rec. on Monday, although that date is subject to confirmation.

If it gets the go-ahead, Montel United will take on Southampton Strikers in the opening match with Devonshire Lions and Pembroke Juniors to follow in the nightcap.

Already confirmed are fixtures for February 15 and 16 at St David's and Somerset, respectively.