Though Western Counties cricket officials remained tight-lipped after Tuesday night's marathon meeting at Southampton Rangers Sports Club, it is now understood that both Willow Cuts and the association have made strides towards settling their differences.

Willow Cuts had requested that their upcoming Counties matches be switched from the traditional venues to Somerset Cricket Club. But this has been opposed by the organising body.

President of the Western Counties, Keith Wainwright, said after the meeting adjourned after 10 p.m. that a joint statement would be forthcoming on behalf of Cuts and his association.

As of last night that statement had not been released.

Cuts are seeking to arrange a special meeting in a bid to have this summer's series relocated to Somerset although the current Counties' constitution only permits two primary playing venues - Southampton Oval and White Hill Field.

Moments after Tuesday's meeting, one insider present at the proceedings revealed that both Somerset Bridge and PHC had initially signed an appeal which was later forwarded to the Counties by Cuts.

PHC representative Sandra Bean, who openly protested Cuts' move, said she was totally unaware of her club's initial stance to back the west end club.

However, both Bridge and PHC have reportedly now had a change of mind, agreeing with Southampton and Warwick that there should be no switch in venue.

It was also reportedly revealed at the meeting that two of the signatures on the appeal belonged to representatives of Cuts, when only one official from any club is permitted to sign on the dotted line.

Cuts were represented by Keith Lapsley and president Gary Dowling at the meeting, which was also attended by all of the Western Counties' affiliates.

Cuts, currently on tour of Canada, are set to open the defence of their Western Counties title next weekend against Warwick at Southampton Oval.

In another development, it is now understood that Ed Bailey, the attorney retained by Cuts, has stated he was unaware of changes made to the Counties' constitution and is reconsidering his involvement in the matter.

Bailey is also a former president of the Western Counties Association as well as a former Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president.

Earlier this week, another former BCBC president, El James, slammed Willow Cuts and lawyer Bailey, whom he alleged was trying to disrupt cricket.

When contacted yesterday Bailey replied: "I wouldn't even dignify anything that Mr.James says, because it is not his fight.

"The issue is between the Western Counties and Willow Cuts and Mr. James should mind his own business.

"Mr. Wainwright came into my offices and we had a 45-minute meeting.

"But really I can't discuss anything about my client (Cuts) at the moment and that's it."

In regards to James' verbal attack, Bailey added: "Let the public judge for themselves. I asked Mr.Wainwright does El (James) speak for the Western Counties and he only smiled.

"I am only acting as an attorney. Nobody can tell me anything like he (James) did. Doesn't it all sound rather immature. If I was Delroy Duncan or Richard Hector would he still make those comments.

"I am a member of the Bermuda Bar, I am acting on the behalf of a client. Why is that every time I act on behalf of a client some people seem to think that I am concealing an ulterior motive?

"Really I'm surprised you guys (Royal Gazette) even printed that."

Cuts believe that more fans will venture through the turnstiles if their matches are held at Somerset Cricket Club, but those affiliates who oppose the move claim that such a move would siphon much needed revenue away from the Counties.