competitions.

The Central Counties will have one less round following the withdrawal of Nationals from the league while the Western Counties will host four rounds because of the inclusion of PHC. They actually became full members of the Western Counties last year but were too late to be included in the 1996 competition.

The Eastern Counties, meanwhile, will switch to St. David's for their 1997 series even though Bailey's Bay are still the champions.

The decision was made last year to alternate each year between Lord's and Sea Breeze Oval and it will take effect this season. The 1998 series will return to Sea Breeze Oval.

There will be two knockout Cup competitions this season, one for the Premier Division teams and one for the First Division. The season starts on April 19 with Open champions Western Stars beginning the defence of their title at home to Willow Cuts before taking on St. George's the following day at Wellington Oval.

A total of eight local grounds -- Somerset, White Hill, Southampton Oval, Devonshire Rec., National Sports Club, Sea Breeze Oval, St. David's and Wellington Oval -- will be utilised for the International Youth Tournament which Bermuda will be hosting for the first time since 1985 from July 6-13.

Seven teams are competing with three matches each day.

Also arriving this season will be the India Test team who will play two matches against Bermuda on May 8 and 10.

The previous weekend will see the popular Camel Cup taking place. That tournament involves the top four teams from the Overs Competition last season in the semi-finals on the Saturday, with the final scheduled for the following day at Lord's.