with news of several top names being on the move from one club to another.

Topping the list of players said to be on the transfer trail is national team pace bowler and last year's captain of St. George's, Herbie Bascome. Bascome is known to have expressed an interest in travelling across the harbour to take up a role with St. David's, for whom he has played in the past in the Eastern Counties Cup competition, of which the Islanders are the champions.

Sources noted that a recent meeting saw Bascome inquire about their willingness to accept him as a full-time squad member, which would add maturity to the bowling attack and add further legitimacy to St. David's as a prime challenger to the dominance enjoyed by Western Stars.

Bascome led Bermuda's attack during last year's Americas Cup competition in Canada, as well as during the country's foray at the Red Stripe Bowl, where the Island recorded their first victory.

He also ended last season as the top wicket-taker alongside Hassan Durham with 46 and captained St. George's during their failed defence of Cup Match in August, when Somerset won by six wickets.

Meanwhile, Bermuda team-mate Curtis Jackson is said to be looking to play at the west end this season as a member of Somerset, moving from Cleveland where the opening batsmen first came to fame.

Like Bascome, Jackson performed both in Canada and the Caribbean, and remains one of the more dedicated members of the national squad currently in training for the ICC Trophy.

Jackson endured a lean year in 2000, failing to grab a place among the top 30 in batting average, while failing during both innings of Cup Match, notching seven in the first and four in the second. However, his dedication and commitment to training, preparation and instruction has endeared him to both selectors and coaches.

Jackson would no doubt add to a suspect Somerset batting line-up, while his ability as a part-time spinner and solid fielder are other assets.

The third name of note said to have his bags packed and ready is Sheridan Ming, who had a break-out season for PHC, averaging close to 36 runs an innings, which signalled a call-up to the national squad for the Red Stripe Bowl.

Ming would add depth to a Rangers line-up that is already one of the deepest on the Island, with top run-getters Olin Jones, Keith Wainwright, Clevie Wade, Janeiro Tucker and cousin Kwame Tucker already established. Ming tallied a total of 386 runs in 11 innings, including three half-centuries.

The deadline for transfers is March 30.

Pace man: St. George's and national team fast bowler Herbie Bascome, who has reportedly expressed interest in a move to St. David's.