National cricket coach Mark Harper says the two-tiered League system implemented this year has improved the quality of play - but there's still a significant way to go.

"One of the main objectives we have achieved this year is making the Premier League very competitive. Every game has had the potential to be very competitive and this has been emphasised by Cleveland's performance. Flatts have also won some games people didn't expect them to win.

"The re-introduction of promotions and relegations gives teams something to strive for and we have seen some clubs - which are ambitious and want to remain in the Premier League - really make a big effort to win games while other clubs have been a bit complacent," he said, analysing the results of matches thus far.

Harper, who completed 12 months in his post earlier this year, pointed out that many top teams have shown a heavy dependency on certain players and when "these players are absent or fail to produce, these teams are adversely affected and results sometimes go the other way".

The First Division, too, has seen keen rivalry with PHC, Willow Cuts, Warwick and Devonshire Rec., all vying for the two promotion spots, he added.

However, there are several areas which can be further improved to lift the overall standard of Bermuda's top-flight cricket.

"Batsmen still need to show more thought in constructing their innings and be more responsible at the wicket. Too many players are trying to hit the ball over the top and a lot of wickets fall weekly to catches in the outfield.

"I would like to see batsmen thinking more, looking for singles as well as putting away loose balls effectively," explained the coach.

As for the bowlers, he acknowledged that some are displaying greater focus on line and length, "trying to work on their consistency".

"The field placing has improved a bit but more can be done also," he said, adding that he would like to see players "reading the game better".

Some of the young players who have caught Harper's eye this season are Delyone Borden, George O'Brien Jr, Mackie Crane, Detroy Smith, Rodney Trott, Freddy Hall and Dion Stovell.

"They have all shown promising improvement and, if these guys can continue developing their game, it augurs well for Bermuda's cricketing future."

Harper urged players to maintain their commitment to performing at their utmost. The interest of some players, he noted, seems to have waned in the aftermath of Cup Match despite the fact that many interesting matches remain.

Regarding interest of a different kind, the national coach revealed incentives may be introduced into domestic cricket. He gave this possibility the thumbs-up.

"The Board is trying its best to promote the game in all facets and incentive packages are one area they are looking at. What will come out of that I don't know, but they are trying to address it.

"A lot of things have been proposed. I myself have proposed quite a few incentives for different categories and achievements. We have to wait and see what happens. I agree it's important to have incentives for players at different levels."

The national coach disclosed the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) will examine the pros and cons of the two-tiered structure and will continue seeking ways to uplift cricket with innovative ideas. Though not elaborating too much, he said that following the Combined Counties Champion-of-Champions match, he would like to see a Select XI from the Eastern Counties oppose a Select XI from the Western Counties.

On a sour note, Harper urged players to lift their on-field deportment, noting bad behaviour detracts from the match.

"This is a serious concern - to go to a match and see players repeatedly questioning the umpire's decision and arguing with each other.

"That's an area I hope will improve because it sets a bad example for young players and, secondly, you're not allowed to behave like that in any national or international competitions. That needs to be addressed," he said, expressing the desire to see umpires be firmer with offending players.