Police Recreation Club have secured the services of fiery fast bowler George O'Brien jr, who has severed ties at Lords and will now lead the bowling attack for the men in uniform in the upcoming season.

It was initially understood the Islanders and national team bowler had opted for a move to Western Stars.

But St. David's Cricket Club sources confirmed last week that O'Brien had "officially signed" with Police who, along with Central Counties rivals Devonshire Recreation Club, were promoted to the top tier last season.

Islanders' coach George Cannonier said O'Brien's move had now left him with a huge void to fill.

"George is certainly going to be a big loss," he lamented. "A bowler of George's calibre is an asset to any team.

"I tried my best to keep him, but he had already made plans to leave us."–Like Premier Division rivals Southampton Rangers, who have lost the services of Athlete of the Year and spin king Dwayne Leverock, opening batsman Curtis Jackson and fast bowler Traddie Simpson, St. David's have also lost a few other key players - in all-rounders Sammy Robinson and Shannon Raynor and wicketkeeper/batsman Fiqre Crockwell.

Robinson has signed for Warwick, Crockwell has joined PHC while Raynor is said to be in talks with Willow Cuts over a possible move to Warren Simmons Field.

Despite having his ranks depleted, St.David's coach Cannonier said he was confident the Eastern Counties champions would overcome their losses this summer.

"It is a bit disappointing to lose these players. But we have a good crop of youngsters coming along and some of them will have to be used this season to fill the voids," he said. "Senior players like OJ (Pitcher) and Delyone (Borden) will have to play bigger roles and I'm sure we will be okay."

Two likely candidates to challenge for O'Brien's vacant spot are promising right-arm seamer Makkail Crockwell, a goalkeeper at Premier Division Dandy Town, and right-arm swing bowler Jevaughn Foggo.

Cannonier described response to pre-season training at Lords as "positive" thus far.

"The guys seem pretty keen and we expect numbers to increase when the football season ends," he said. "It's still a work in progress and our goal at St.David's is to produce quality players who can go on and represent Bermuda."

Meanwhile, St.David's CC have now extended this month's cricket camp at Lords to run from April 7-11 for children aged seven to 15.

The objective of the four-day exercise is introduce those at the grassroots level to the fundamentals of the game.

Registration for the camp is $80. All participants have been asked to bring along a bat, pads and gloves and white cricket attire.

"We want to encourage more youngsters to come out and play the game as well as teach them the fundamentals to help them in their personal development," Cannonier said.

For further details, call 336-9837 or 297-1571.