AFTER two rounds of two-day cricket, limited overs cricket returns this weekend with some eagerly anticipated matches on both Saturday and Sunday. In this, the last full season before next year's World Cup, players' performances will be under increased scrutiny, particularly in the 50-over version. Already young players are making the effort to get noticed by the Bermuda selectors ? amongst them Oronde Bascome, the St. George's opening batsman, and Devonshire Rec allrounder Dean Stevens who were both amongst the runs and wickets on the weekend.

Bascome followed up a maiden century in the first innings against Western Stars last weekend with a knock of 91 in the second innings. Stevens inspired Devonshire Rec to an innings victory over Warwick with a superb knock of 114 and six wickets in the match.

However, it wasn't just those on the fringe of the national squad who grabbed the headlines last weekend as two players past the age of 40 also were outstanding with the bat and ball, showing that there is still no substitution for experience.

Keith Wainwright and Olin Jones were called in to play important roles for Southampton Rangers against Western Stars in the absence of captain Janeiro Tucker, Kwame Tucker and Lionel Cann who are in Trinidad on national team duty. Wainwright still has the appetite for big scores, as the stand-in captain showed with his 103 not out against Bailey's Bay last weekend in the innings victory at Sea Breeze which was due in no small part to Olin Jones career-best 9-60 in the Bay second innings. He finished with match figures of 11 for 67 to go with his 31 in the only Rangers innings.

Rangers travel east again this Sunday when they are hosted by St. David's at Lord's in the top Premier Division match. The Islanders are fresh off an innings victory themselves, beating Social Club by an innings and 59 runs thanks to outstanding batting performances by brothers Arthur and Justin Pitcher who scored 100 not out and 97 respectively. Mackie Crane, still in contention for a spot in the Bermuda team, helped himself to four wickets.

In the other Premier Division matches on Sunday, Social Club entertain Western Stars at Devonshire Rec, Somerset welcome the visit of Flatts to the west end and Bailey's Bay travel to Southampton Oval to meet Warwick.

First Division action will see St. George's 'away' at Wellington Oval to their tenants Cleveland while Police meet Somerset Bridge at Police Field, PHC take on Devonshire Rec at White Hill Field and Leg Trappers meet Willow Cuts at Sea Breeze Oval.

For some clubs it will be another two days of cricket as three matches are also scheduled for Saturday. St. David's host Social Club in a Premier Division tie which pits the experience of player-coach Charlie Marshall and Winston Simmons against the youth of St. David's.

Two First Division contests see St. George's playing Willow Cuts at Wellington Oval and Devonshire Rec entertain neighbours Police.