being recalled to the Bermuda senior national squad of 30 chosen to prepare for the ICC Trophy in Kenya in February after having withdrawn three previous occasions because of various commitments.

The 35-year-old opening batsman recalled that the timing of past ICC tournaments seemed to have always conflicted with his schedule -- and he assures that it was this reason, and nothing else, that restricted his involvement in the past.

But this time, though, he concedes that his schedule appears to be less hectic and having just completed a major task of building a house he believes that the chances of him becoming totally involved are much brighter.

"Having just finished building I basically see myself being free at the moment, although there still are a few odds and ends to deal with. But I will not kid anybody around because if I see my training with the squad adding strain on my shoulders, then I will decline the invitation,'' said Richardson.

"I regard being added to the squad at this stage of my career to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a player my age, but my family and personal life will certainly come first. If I find things to be difficult after a few training sessions the board will know well in advance of the burden it is causing.'' Richardson was one of several surprise additions to the squad, revealing that he has not been actively involved in a "representative match'' since the mid-80s when he played for a BCBC President's XI against a visiting team from the Caribbean.

The St. David's player, who was just recently called the best opening batsman in the island by veteran all-rounder Noel Gibbons, said he was surprised to have attracted the eyes of the selectors at the twilight of his career.

"I reacted a bit surprised when I saw myself in the squad, perhaps I was included because they feel there is need for one or two more experienced early-order batsmen. Anyway, overall it's a fairly good looking squad,'' said Richardson.

"I was pleased to be recalled, it's a great honour for me to be still considered. I never doubted my ability. It's just that in the past I was so involved in other things when it came to training with the Bermuda squads.

"I recall when I was back at Saltus Grammar when I couldn't go on tour of Canada with the Bermuda under-18 squad because of examinations. From that time on the timing has always been bad for me. After that I was unable to give time to the senior squad because various commitments like marriage, etc., but things look pretty good now and I will try to do my best.'' At a stage when most players start to lose their technique and desire Richardson though still feels that the enthusiasm is still there and that he can perform at the national level. He also strongly feels that his chances of making the final 16 at this stage are as good as any other player.

"I believe that my chances are fine. I can hold my own in the field, I can wicket-keep, bowl spin and some medium stuff. I feel I still have a lot to offer,'' he said.

Richardson claims that being relegated down in the batting order for St.

David's on various occasions is no indication of the lack of faith the skipper has in him as an opener.

"Our skipper realises that I do not have a lot of years left for playing cricket and he is probably trying to groom someone for the position. Being an opening batsman requires special qualities and players to fit into this role are hard to find. So we are promoting others in order to help the situation I would think,'' said Richardson.

Despite being forced to pull out of past ICC squads Richardson recalls being actively involved in a few training sessions and said he enjoyed the relationship he built up with the elite group chosen to represent Bermuda...now he is hopeful of getting far more out of it this time around.

The semifinals of the League Knock-Out competition have been scheduled for September 11, with St. David's taking on Devonshire at Wellington Oval and Southampton playing against St. George's at Devonshire Rec. field.

Meanwhile, the Shell Youth Knock-Out tournament has St. George's entertaining St. David's tomorrow in the remaining semifinal match. The winner will meet Southampton in the final.

LOTS TO OFFER -- At a stage when most players start losing their enthusiasm, Allan Richardson still gets excited about playing cricket and believes he can perform at a high level for Bermuda.