controversial ending to Sunday's first-round game against Willow Cuts that saw them lose by one run, have carried through with a pledge to appeal.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control secretary Reginald Pearman yesterday confirmed that the east-enders had officially handed in a letter of protest and noted that the appeal has consequently been passed on to the "appropriate committee.'' Pearman added that a date has already been scheduled for the appeal to be heard.

St. George's have appealed on the grounds that umpire McDonald Swan misled their two last batsmen into believing that one ball, instead of two, remained for them to get two runs. As a result, number 11 batsman Uroy Fox was run out while attempting to get the winning run.

Graham Fox, captain of St. George's, was still upset yesterday and assured that their appeal was justified.

"The umpire made a mistake. We had one of our most experienced players at the wicket in Eugene Foggo and had he been made aware that there were two balls left we would have gotten the runs,'' said Fox.

"We have a very good case for an appeal. Last year the board ruled to have a league game between Devonshire Rec. and St. David's replayed following an error by an umpire and I feel that our case is much stronger.'' Meanwhile, the umpires squabble remains unresolved with the members of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association being forced to watch games by the sidelines once again this weekend.

Although officials of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Union will be in charge of play in the Premier Division tomorrow and Sunday, Luther Wilkin of the BCUA said that talks with the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control about the dispute were continuing.

"We will not be involved at all this weekend. Our discussions with the board are set to continue next Tuesday,'' stated Wilkin last night.

Some association members handled Commercial League matches last weekend and plan to continue until a definitive solution is reached.