should have been completed more than six months' ago.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control confirmed yesterday that the 2001 campaign would begin in late April with the Knockout semi-final and final which both fell victim to the weather at the end of last season.

A deluge of rain prevented one semi-final and the subsequent final from taking place last September. Now those two matches will be played on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at Sea Breeze Oval to begin a new BCBC programme. The semi-final will be between Bailey's Bay and Southampton Rangers with the winner meeting Western Stars in the Sunday final. Stars beat Somerset by a whopping 204 runs in the only semi-final played last year.

BCBC president El James had indicated last year that in all probability the scheduling would be arranged this way, and yesterday he noted that the players would be able to use the matches as preparation for the incoming tour by the MCC scheduled for May 17-28.

"We're excited about the prospects of having the remaining knockout semi-final and final kick the season off next month after rain ruined things at the end of last season,'' said James.

"One thing's for certain, it should be a great opener, especially since many of the players in these three teams are members of the ICC squad that is gearing up for the big tournament in Toronto (ICC Trophy).

"The sporting public will be able to see how all of the training they have been doing pays off. We expect to see some great matches, judging from the reports we are getting about their preparation.'' While the Board are focusing on the start of the season and the preparation of the ICC squad, the incoming tour of MCC remains one of the main features on the cricket calendar, according to the president.

The MCC squad, to be skippered by Colin Metson, who plays for county side Glamorgan and Wales, will also include former Pakistan Test leg break bowler Abdul Qadir and former West Indies batsman Philo Wallace.

The majority of their seven matches will be played against the ICC squad and Select XIs with one game against Premier Division champions Western Stars.

Meanwhile, the league season is scheduled to get underway on May 12 while the Camel Cup semi-final and final will be played on the weekend of May 5-6.