Plans are in motion for a testimonial match to be played in September honouring Clarence Parfitt, arguably the greatest bowler that Bermuda has ever produced.

The idea of bestowing such an honour on the former Bermuda international and St. George's Cup Match left-arm medium pace bowling great is the brainchild of former Bermuda Cricket Board of Control executive Custerfield Crockwell, who yesterday pointed out that the response so far has been tremendous from the public.

He and a group of other cricket lovers have met and launched plans to stage the event. Crockwell has been elected chairman of the organising committee.

Tentative plans are in place to have the game played at Lord's, St. David's on Saturday, September 23.

An invitation will be extended to have two prominent international cricketers brought here for the game as well, most likely Test players from the West Indies and England.

"We have somebody going to Barbados next week to check out a few players about coming here in September, but that's all I can say about that now.

Hopefully we will have the international players confirmed by next month, maybe it will be one from the West Indies or two, we just cannot tell right now.'' He did not rule out the possibility of having somebody brought in from England or another Test playing country. It depends on who would be available at the time.

The remarkable thing, said Crockwell, is that the support from the public has been phenomenal at an early stage. Former players in particular have responded superbly to the idea.

"I have called all around, speaking to some of the old guys who played with Parfitt and everybody thinks the idea is great. His former Cup Match skipper Cal (Bummy) Symonds was particularly pleased and has agreed to support the venture one hundred percent,'' said Crockwell.

He said that Parfitt, who has been residing in Scotland since the late 1980s and is now a cricket coach, gave his approval for the idea and that the project has also received support from the BCBC.

Crockwell added: "It often occurs that many of our illustrious sporting personalities who have provided outstanding services and entertainment to the Bermuda public retire and leave the sporting area without recognition or appreciation for what they have done.

"It therefore occurred to me that it would be appropriate to initiate a process which would allow us to say `thank you' in a tangible and official manner to somebody in particular who has provided us with much pleasure and entertainment, sometimes at a great sacrifice.'' While he forges ahead with plans to arrange the event, Crockwell points out that it isn't completely confirmed as of yet and hinges on continued support from the Bermuda public.

While the major portion of proceeds will be given to Parfitt, a donation will be made on behalf of youth cricket throughout the Island.

"So it is all for a good cause. I am confident that with the public's assistance we can demonstrate to Mr. Parfitt that his exploits on the cricket field both locally and overseas have not been forgotten,'' said Crockwell.

Parfitt holds the current bowling record in Cup Match having bagged a total of 115 wickets from 1965-81. His best haul was nine for 47 in 1976. He has also taken eight for 23, eight for 38, seven for 18 and seven for 20 in the mid-summer classic.

But one of his greatest feats locally was when he took all 10 wickets against Somerset Bridge in the 60s during a senior league match.

CLARENCE PARFITT -- Match planned for September.