their ranks before the start of the new season.

Already stung by the loss of fast bowler Roger Blades, the Premier Division side will be minus the services of all-rounder Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock who is set to become player-coach of Flatts Victoria.

"I guess you can describe the departure of Sluggo as the second blow to us.

It's definitely a double blow. His presence gave us a very good measure of stability, especially in our batting,'' said team spokesman and fast bowler Richard Austin.

"It's a personal decision why he is leaving. We can't knock him for it. But we all are wishing him the best for the future.'' Leverock had one of his best seasons with Police last year when he was recalled to the Somerset Cup Match side. For much of the season it was either the batting or bowling of Leverock that rescued Police in matches in which they seemed heading for defeat.

"There were times when we even promoted him to open the batting when others were struggling and he was scoring on a consistent basis,'' said Austin. "He paved the way for many match-winning performances. He gave us a lot of variety in our attack with his orthodox spin.'' Despite losing two of their top players, Austin said Police weren't ready to press the panic button.

"We still have a nucleus of some good, solid players with us. I am not sure what our additions will be like but as I said after the loss of Blades, people will have to step up and pick up the slack.

"There are a lot of adjustments that we have to make and we have to do it quickly.'' Both Leverock and Blades will represent Police in an upcoming cricket tournament in Barbados.