Only 18 cricketers sought moves to new clubs in the off-season it was revealed in the transfer list released by the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control yesterday.

The statistics showed the incredible gulf in loyalty between local cricketers and their soccer counterparts.

During the last soccer season over 150 players from First and Second Division clubs applied for transfers.

As has been reported already, Clay Smith, Lionel Cann, Kenny Phillip and Clevie Wade have parted company with last year's top team, St. George's, who suffered the biggest losses. In return they picked up Philip Pitcher from St.

David's and Dexter Smith from Devonshire Rec.

Smith's former Rec. teammate Leon (Cubba) Place has joined Somerset in a bid to boost his Cup Match chances. Place is one of seven players who will not be allowed to play, however, until the $100 transfer fee has been paid to the board.

Also joining Somerset are Francis Richardson and Adrian Burrows from neighbours Somerset Bridge. In return Somerset have lost two players, Shannon Warner and Kenny Maybury, to their neighbours Willow Cuts.

Cleveland County have lost Jermaine Postlethwaite to Western Stars but have a more than adequate replacement in former captain Peter Philpott who is returning home after a few seasons with Police. Police's only signing is Kenny Phillip.

One of the teams to watch this season is St. David's, and the other is Southampton Rangers who have former St. George's captain Clevie Wade -- Olin Jones' brother-in-law -- as player-coach. They have also picked up Sydney Simmons from Somerset and Kevin Bean from Police.

Overs champions Bailey's Bay have youngster Desmond Crockwell returning to their ranks from St. David's.

Meanwhile, all systems are go for the season opener on May 2, with board officials having already met with the umpires to agree on regulations for limited overs play.

"We are excited about the regulations. I think with the new format and with the regulations that we have agreed with the umpires to put into place this season, the season should be quite exiciting,'' said BCBC president El James.

"The public have indicated that they want to see limited overs cricket, the affiliates have supported a move in this direction and now all is set for us to go ahead.'' One area still of concern is the number of umpires. On behalf of the BCUA, James made a plea for people to become involved in officiating.

"It's a public appeal for fresh blood to join their ranks and to work towards playing vital roles in the revival of the sport,'' said James.

"Their numbers are down and we are asking ex players and others with a strong cricket knowledge to come forward and make themselves available for our youth and senior games.

"Even if the clubs go out and pick one or two from within to assist it will be of immense help. Names can also be sent to the Board and we will forward them on to the umpires.'' The second round of league matches originally scheduled for Sunday, May 9, has been brought forward a day so as not to clash with the final round robin matches in the Caribbean Cup soccer qualifiers at the National Stadium.

St. George's and Police field will be the venues for the Camel Cup semi-finals on Saturday, May 15 with St. David's hosting the final on May 16. The Bailey's Bay-Police match will be at Wellington Oval while St. George's take on Western Stars at Police field.