the Birmingham League on Saturday as his team Halesowen drew with league leaders West Bromwich Dartmouth. Scores: West Bromwich Dartmouth 205, Halesowen 204-4.

Gibbons hit 14 fours and four sixes on his way to a blistering 58 ball, 48 minute ton which was his first for Halesowen. A club official from Halesowen checked to confirm that it was the fastest century of the season.

Halesowen came within two runs of victory after needing 11 runs off the last over to level the score. Gibbons was also out in that final over, run out for 108.

West Bromwich Dartmouth included David Houghton of Zimbabwe and Phil Worcester of Worcestershire in their team. Newport finished with figures of three for 34 from 17 overs with five maidens.

Halesowen are fourth from the bottom of the 20 team league. Their match on Sunday with Leamington was rained out.

Gibbons is again showing interest in introducing young Bermuda talent to the Birmingham League. "Most of the teams are looking for young overseas players,'' he stated. "I think of guys back home like Clay (Smith), Dean (Minors) and Glenn Smith and I'm looking to open doors for young players.

"I talked to Dean and he was really keen about playing over here. I got some interest from Glenn also. Starting off with the smaller clubs will open doors for them.'' Gibbons admitted that the limit of one overseas player per club in the English County League makes it almost impossible to attract the interest from one of the County teams who prefer to go for established Test players.

"Ever since I've been here I haven't seen anybody better than Dean as a wicketkeeper,'' Gibbons admitted. "I'm going to do some research for teams interested in young players. The main thing is they welcome young talent.

"It's really great being an ambassador for Bermuda.'' Halesowen's season ends on September 6 as they won't be involved in the knockout competitions and Gibbons will return immediately in the hopes of finishing off the season here with his local club, Bailey's Bay.

Next season he will join up with Smethwick, also in the Birmingham League.