as leader of the Island's national cricket team.

Although no decision has been reached, there was strong support for Marshall at Bermuda Cricket Board of Control's season-ending gala celebrations at Harmony Hall on Monday night.

Several Board officials and players expressed their admiration for the way the veteran all-rounder handled the team in Guyana, despite Bermuda losing all three matches.

"Charles did a great job and I am not surprised to hear that similar views have been expressed by most of the players,'' said BCBC president El James.

"It was because of his experience and ability to lead, and other qualities that he demonstrated as captain of Bailey's Bay all season, that he was given the position.'' While James hinted that Marshall would retain the captaincy, he also suggested most of the players who travelled to Guyana would also be invited to train when the national squad assembles for its next practice session.

"We have a unit together and until we change it, it will be our national team,'' added James. "We put it together, it's for other individuals to break into and along with it we have a skipper. It's not a matter of changing it every time something comes up. If other names surface they will have an opportunity to break into the squad.'' Monday's get-together was held specifically for the Board to show their appreciation to sponsors, their own members and the senior and youth players who all contributed to what many believe was a highly successful season.

Among those who support Marshall's captaincy are Janeiro Tucker and newcomer Tucoma Robinson.

"I think the players were motivated by Charlie, there wasn't any animosity and we all enjoyed our cricket even though we lost. Despite the setbacks, Charlie encouraged us to keep our heads up throughout,'' said Tucker.

"I think he should be returned as the captain next year. This was the best tour that I have been on as far as a captain-player relationship is concerned.

We all enjoyed playing under him. I think all of the players have the same feeling as far as the captaincy is concerned.'' Robinson, the young Somerset medium pacer who was a surprise addition to the original training squad, said: "Charlie was great, I know that most of the players, if not all, were happy with the way he handled everything. I would also hope that he will be allowed to lead the team again next year in the Red Stripe and any other competitions that Bermuda participate in.'' For the 23-year-old it was a learning experience, and national coach Allan Douglas said he was pleased with the manner in which Robinson performed against top players while making his debut at the national level.

Robinson said he hadn't been intimidated by the opposition, explaining that he approached each match as he would in domestic cricket.

"To me it was always as though it was a normal cricket game. I felt that as long as I stuck to the basics, the rest would take care of itself,'' he said.

"Although I have only been playing for three seasons, bowling against prominent players didn't mean a thing to me. I went there to play cricket, and to me it was business as usual.'' "I feel that I learned a few things down there by bowling under different circumstances ... the grounds were a bit mushy but I thought I did okay.''