that the Island is bidding to host the 1997 International Youth Tournament.

During an afternoon press conference attended by National Cricket Association (NCA) official Tom Bates it was announced that Bermuda was being evaluated as to its ability to hold such an event and the initial outlook was positive.

"It looks favourable at this point,'' said Bates, the director of administration and development at the NCA and former minor county player with Lincolnshire.

"As far as the facilities (on the Island) are concerned I'll be saying that Bermuda should host the tournament.'' The major factor to be sorted out was said to be the cost of accommodation and if the financial package was feasible Bermuda was a virtual lock to be the host nation.

"It's all part of the development programme and we'll have to go out seeking assistance from government as well as sponsors,'' said Bailey.

"It wouldn't be profitable at all to host the tournament. But it would prove that the country is mature enough to host such a tournament and that we are serious about improving the standard of cricket in Bermuda.'' The estimated cost for hosting was put at between $50,000 and $55,000, a marked increase from the $25,000-$30,000 the Island expended when they last held the competition in 1985.

Defending champions Forties joined West Indian Association at the top of the Commercial Cricket League on Sunday -- without bowling a ball.

Forties' match against Sandys Sports Club at Shelly Bay was washed out and under Commercial League rules it was declared a draw with each team picking up five points.

Now only five points separate the top four clubs with North Village and Sandys on the heels of the leaders who meet on Sunday, the half-way point of the league championship.

The following three weeks -- June 12, 19 and 26 -- will be given over to the League Cup, which was introduced last season and won by Sandys who beat WIA in the final.

It will again be played on a round robin basis with teams split into two groups.

Devonshire Stars, West Indian Association and Sandys are in group A while St.

David's, North Village and Forties are in group B.

The top team from each group will meet in the final on August 28.

Meanwhile, secretary Dave Carruthers said yesterday the league was reviewing its options over the controversy involving Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association official Wilbur Pitcher and Sandys skipper Terry Corday.

Pitcher walked off the field in disgust after Corday complained over a rejected appeal for a slip catch.

Carruthers said he had received a letter of complaint over the incident at St.

David's on May 22, sent in by Jeff Pitcher, a BCUA umpire who was playing for St. David's in the match which Sandys went on to win by five wickets.