Long-serving executive Reginald Pearman predictably took over as president of Bermuda Cricket Board of Control at their annual general meeting at Warwick Workmen's Club last night.

But the veteran had to shrug off a spirited challenge by his lone opponent, Keith Wainwright, before winning the vote 17-15.

However, that wasn't the surprise of the night as the vote had been expected to be close between the two challengers bidding to replace outgoing president El James, who decided not to run after holding down the job for three years.

The night's biggest shock was the decision of former long-serving president Ed Bailey to run for office again, having stood down three years ago.

But after being nominated by the club with which he has held long ties - Willow Cuts - Bailey could not find a single representative to second his nomination.

Wainwright, as he had promised if defeated for the presidency, ran unopposed for first vice-president and now appears to be content to bide his time and stand for the top job again at some point in the future.

In another startling move, Bailey threw his hat into the ring for the position of second vice-president but was comprehensively beaten by former Board official Gary Fray by a vote of 22-10.

Charlotte (Molly) Simons was returned unopposed as secretary as was treasurer Neil Speight. The new assistant secretary is Sharon Virgil.

Club representatives are Eugene Wainwright, Clevie Wade, Hoyt Zuill, Ellsworth Christopher, Stuart Hollis and Dennis Archer.

Pearman was delighted to have won after what turned out to be a close battle with Wainwright.

"This is the first time I have run for president. I have been first and second vice-president and have served in that capacity over the years and naturally I am pleased that the clubs have the faith in me to fulfil the position," said Pearman, who joined the Board as a club representative for Somerset back in the mid 1970s.

He said he regarded the tour of Argentina by the senior national team for the Americas Cup tournament next month as an immediate priority, but noted there were many other areas that the Board would be hoping to improve.

"`Yes, Argentina is first. Although the team has been selected we still have to take the auxiliary people to go with it. And then it's the restructure of the league itself," said Pearman.

"We had a new committee going out with coach Harper and they have met a sub committee who have already presented a report to the Board, so we did promise the clubs that we will be passing it on to them before the end of the month so they can make a vote on it, whichever way they decide to go."

One area that the new chief would like to see improved is the youth league and youth development, pointing out that giants steps had already been taken by the previous executive.

"I think we need to take a closer look at it. With the Americas opening up with so many divisions, your are talking about the Under-13s, Under-15s and Under-19s. We need to be on board when these tournaments come up so that we have the teams and players in place so that we can participate in these tournaments," he said.

While the Board has had its share of criticism this year, Pearman reckoned that cricket was in better shape tha