end 30 years of independence by joining the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

At last week's annual meeting, representatives of the nine clubs which will compete in the Commercial League this season, starting this weekend, gave the executive committee the go-ahead for further talks with the BCBC.

BCBC president El James recently outlined a package to three members of the committee which offers all Commercial teams cricket balls this season at a discounted rate, an eventual place on the BCBC board and the possibility of entry as early as next season into the Knockout Cup alongside Premier clubs, providing a similar incentive currently enjoyed by Commercial League soccer teams to go up against the `big boys' in the higher divisions. Financial details of the Commercial League coming under the BCBC's umbrella have yet to be worked out.

James, who is keen to see all organised cricket in the island join the BCBC, is also expected to approach the two-division Evening League, run by architect Stephen West.

The only new Commercial team this season are Allied Blues, a side made up of Government blue-collar workers from the Public Transportation Board, Post Office, Marine & Ports and Works & Engineering.

PTB entered a team in the league two years ago but struggled for players and were dropped from the line-up when they failed to attend last year's annual meeting. They were replaced by newcomers Sandys Community Youth Club but the youth club in turn also struggled and pulled out midway through the season without a victory to their name.

PTB were given a rude awakening on their debut in the 1998 season, suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Leg Trappers and Allied Blues will face the same opponents -- last year's league and knockout winners -- when the new season starts on Sunday.

Sunday's first-round fixtures are: Devonshire Stars v St. David's, Garrison Field; North Village v Forties, Shelly Bay; Hemisphere Leg Trappers v Allied Blues, Nationals; Watford Sports Club v West Indian Asssociation, Royal Naval Field.

Bye: Jamaican Association. Games start at 12.30.