Bermuda Cricket Board have stuck to their guns over the format for the Belco Cup, in spite of pressure from two Premier Division clubs.

The competition, formerly known as the Camel Cup, is to retain its four-team, two-day format, despite rumours that it might have been expanded to six.

If that had been the case then top flight newcomers, PHC and Willow Cuts, would have been included.

It had been claimed that BCB affiliates voted last year to increase the mid-June competition to six teams.

"We haven't heard anything from the Board other than the fact that they have found a new sponsor," a PHC spokesperson told The Royal Gazette on May 9.

"I don't know whether or not the new sponsors were informed about the proposals but the Board knew because it was voted on and the guys were really looking forward to it.

"Why would they say that to the teams before the (2002) season started, but then when they make the draw this year there are only four teams?

"They say one thing and do another. That's kind of wrong. All of the affiliates agreed to it (including First Division teams)."

Willow Cuts' veteran Dexter Basden was also frustrated.

"They said last season that the top two teams from the First Division would compete against the top four teams from the Premier," he said. "Now it's just going to be the top four (Premier) teams, so really I don't know."

However, BCB president Reggie Pearman refuted the allegations yesterday.

"At the meeting in April, 2002, when we announced the restructuring and the splitting of the Premier Division into two divisions of eight teams each, a suggestion was raised to consider extending the event to six teams.

"However, there was no subsequent discussions and certainly no decision to extend the event."

The annual tournament will be played on the weekend of June 14 and 15 with the semi-finals, which pit St. David's against Southampton Rangers at Somerset CC and Western Stars against St. George's at St. David's, on the Saturday.

The final will take place on the Sunday at St. David's Field.

"We are looking forward to the matches which offer a high standard of entertaining cricket," Pearman said. "We are very pleased to be partnering with our new sponsors Belco and welcome the Belco Cup to the cricket season."