Bermuda's national cricket squad this week began training for the first time under the new executive of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control -- and the enthusiasm of the players was extraordinarily high, according to coach Allan Douglas.

While not attributing the exit of the old committee to the renewed vigour, the coach hinted it was something that had been lacking in the past and hoped it would be a sign of things to come.

A catalyst of sorts for the boost was the presence of many former national players, something the squad rarely had the privilege of experiencing in the past.

"It is a new sort of thing, and it certainly is not a bad idea,'' said Douglas. "The players actually took note of the number of ex-players who were looking at them and it was encouraging, definitely something that got their attention.'' "To see people like the president (El James) present and talking with the players before the session, and many others watch by the sideline as we played and did various exercises, was great. I think it makes a bit of difference because it lets them know that everybody is behind them and trying to get them going.'' In addition to James, other prominent ex-players showing up at Police field on Monday evening were Randy Horton, Colin Blades, Adrian King, Gary Fray, St.

Clair (Brinky) Tucker, George Jackson and Douglas' assistant, Winston Reid.

Douglas said the BCBC had long been advocating that former players should come out and show their faces, figuring their mere appearance could be an incentive for the current cricketers.

"As a result, the attitude of the players this week really impressed me, just to see them diving at the ball with great effort during the game that we played was encouraging. And to see them all coming out with their full playing kit and treating the practice match as though it was a legitimate game was refreshing,'' said Douglas.

"I enjoyed watching them. They seem to realise that once they put everything into their approach to training, Bermuda cricket is going to benefit. They seem to know that there is no nonsense out there, fully aware that if they act up they will be dealt with and if they do the right thing they will be rewarded.'' "Obviously the ex-players are interested in what progress they believe lies ahead for our cricket and want to be a part of things. And this is welcome news. We've always wanted their support and now we can be truly thankful for that,'' he said.

But he is not about to celebrate anything at this early stage, pointing out that the road ahead -- beginning with October's Shell/Sandals tournament in Guyana -- is going to be difficult.

"This is just the start,'' he said. "It remains to be seen just who is going to respond to the new changes in local cricket.'' Somerset play St. George's in the annual Colts Cup Match, Sunday at Somerset.

Captains are Shawn Wade (Somerset) and Ryan Steede (St. George's).

COACHING TIPS -- National cricket coach Allan Douglas (left) offers pointers to youngsters Garry Williams and Ryan Steede at training.