Cricket Clubs have made a significant effort to pay the majority of the $20,000 that they owed the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control and the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association.

In May the The Royal Gazette reported that the two bodies were concerned about the outstanding cash. But now executives from both organisations have confirmed that their coffers have been considerably replenished.

"There is still some amount outstanding but given time I feel that it will be paid" said BCBC president Reginald Pearman before adding a warning. "However, while it's encouraging to have most of the money come in I still think we need to get more clubs involved in what's happening on the Board.

"Clubs have to make a concerted effort to get their people more involved with us, coming out and supporting us by putting up individuals in their ranks for coaching courses and giving the umpires support where they can.''

The Board are known to have been disgusted with some of the Island's major clubs for their attitude towards paying the debt, especially since much of the money owed was from the registration of players.

Pearman said that it was vital for clubs to ensure that player registration fees be paid up front because it was that money that helped administer the running of the Board.

Of the $20,000 owed to cricket in May, the Board was owed more than $14,000.

The BCUA was also pleased with the response by clubs to pay what was owed to their members for officiating at cricket matches.

Secretary Randy Butler said that majority of the cash had been paid and noted that he was confident that the remaining amount would be received in the near future.

"They have definitely made a significant effort to pay what was outstanding," he said. "We still have to get a little more but we are pleased to see most of the clubs playing a responsible role by dealing with their debt.

"In our case most of the money went to umpires for officiating at games throughout the long season. We cannot have our people going out there for long hours in the sun without getting any sort of pay.''