by today.

By subjecting all squad members to the test, Bermuda Cricket Board of Control will have honoured a pledge made by their new president El James.

James had insisted the players had to be tested well in advance of their departure for the Red Stripe Bowl (formerly Shell/Sandals tournament) on October 2. The Board will officially name the touring party this week.

Randy Horton, one of many ex-players assisting the new admninistration and named team manager, confirmed that the testing was to be completed by today and that the party should be finalised by the weekend.

By ensuring that the testing was complete before the team's departure, the Board were taking steps to avoid any repeat of the embarrassing experience in March when rumours of marijuana use surrounded members of the national team competing at the ICC Trophy tournament in Malaysia.

An inquiry later ruled that there was insufficient evidence to determine whether any Bermuda players had actually used drugs during the tour.

But shortly after taking over as BCBC president this summer, James stressed that Government's drug policy would be strictly adhered to.

"Drug testing will be done well in advance and we can assure that it will be done. I firmly believe that anyone going out there to represent his country, especially playing cricket in the hot sun with a ball travelling at 80 to 90 miles an hour, needs to have all of their faculties functioning well,'' said James.

"They must remember that they are representing their countries and are expected to be at their sharpest and make every attempt to perform at their highest level,'' he added.

Top Bermuda umpire Randy Butler was in New York over the weekend to officiate during a vital play-off match in Long Island between Mid Island Cricket Club and Excelsior Cricket Club.

Former West Indies Test batsman Gus Logie, who left Bermuda on Sunday after Saturday's Testimonial cricket match, played for Excelsior and scored 29 in a losing cause. Scores: Excelsior 209 off 33.3 overs, Mid Island 213-5 off 34.1 overs.

Former Jamaican bowler Clem Thompson, who has also played in Bermuda with Bailey's Bay, scored 26 for Mid Island while Austin Hutchinson, also well known in Bermuda, led the team in batting with an elegant 80 not out.

Butler's role was not limited to umpiring as he was also asked to assess the other umpire involved in the match, Ivor Stephens.

The match was a play-off fixture with the two teams battling for the runners-up spot in the Metropolitan League.

A six-a-side cricket tournament run by Police on Sunday saw Police's Premier Division side finish all their three matches without a loss. The other teams with one win apiece were Western Stars, Police's Commercial Division side and Southampton Rangers.