St.George's star batsman Glenn Blakeney could be excluded from Saturday's final Cup Match trial at Wellington Oval, has learned.

According to reliable sources, Blakeney has yet to be excused from work commitments and, as such, could be forced out of Saturday's all-important game in the East End.

When contacted yesterday, Blakeney declined to speak to

St.George's Cricket Club chairman of selectors Lewis Foggo commented: "I am not aware of anything at the moment concerning Glenn. But this is something I will definitely have to look into.

"As challengers, Glenn is the type of batsman you need in your team. He is an explosive batsman and if there is any reason why Glenn can't make it then he will certainly be a loss."

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Island, Somerset's Jermaine Postlethwaite, last year's recipient of the Safe Hands Award, has decided against fighting to retain his spot as opening batsman, according to club sources.

When reached, the player declined to comment.

Postlethwaite marked his debut in the 2003 classic at Wellington Oval by scoring an aggressive 84 during Somerset's first innings ? the third highest score by a colt behind Charlie Marshall (100 not out) and Saleem Mukuddem (106 not out).

Another concern these days in the West End is the health of Irving Romaine ? heavily favoured to reclaim a spot in the champions' team after producing with the bat during the ICC Trophy Tournament in Ireland this month.

Romaine, a vital cog in Bermuda's squad, has a fractured finger that left the player excluded from Bailey's Bay's Eastern Counties and Premier Division squads over the weekend.

The local team had high hopes of avenging last week's five-wicket defeat against the tournament's defending champions.

Bermuda are fresh off back-to-back wins against a Barbados Youth Select last Friday and Carriacou last Sunday.

Each team received a point for yesterday's wash-out, according to coach Herbie Bascome.

"It poured out here today. The wickets are soaked over here and on top of it you have the heat. Once the rain stops and the covers remain on, the heat dampens the wicket," he said.

"Both teams received a point which will benefit us but the players were looking forward to the match because they were very confident that they could beat these guys (Queen's Park Club)."

Bascome said his team failed to play to their full potential in their opening match last week against their Trinidadian counterparts.

"We are capable of beating them. The two games we lost were due to the fact we weren't settled yet," he added. "That was their first time playing in new surroundings and some of them were a bit nervous. But the guys are now coming into their own."

Bascome singled out the likes of Malachi Jones, son of Southampton Rangers star Olin Jones and his own son and team skipper Oronde ? who stroked an unbeaten 57 on Sunday ? and the resourceful Rodney Trott for special mention."Our fielding has been excellent and overall team confidence is soaring high."

ICC Trophy chairman of selectors Arnold Manders flew down to join the team in Barbados over the weekend, accompanied by late addition Justin Pitcher.

Bascome is due to return to Bermuda on Friday in time for Saturday's final Cup Match trial at Wellington Oval.

Bermuda take on Carriacou for the second time in three days tomorrow.