the Birmingham area after scoring 88 not out for the Birmingham League Conference XI against the MCC yesterday at Worcester's county ground.

Gibbons was voted his team's man of the match with his top knock which included four sixes and nine fours. Unfortunately his team still lost by nine runs.

The MCC scored 248 and the Conference XI, without Alvin Kallicharran and Anderson Cummins who were both playing in a benefit match, replied with 239.

"After the game I was approached by a club called Smethwick who play in the same league and the offer sounded much more brilliant than the one I have with Halesowen,'' Gibbons said last night.

"They are offering more money, transportation and accommodation and I'm going to give it some thought.

I'll be meeting with them again on Friday night.'' Gibbons, who will be looking to recruit a Bermudian fast bowler for Halesowen when he returns for the Eastern Counties next week, is considering offering Dale Fox the opportunity.

"When you think of fast bowlers you think of Terry Burgess and `Pacer' Edwards but as both are married with youngsters on the way I gave Dale Fox a thought,'' said Gibbons.

"Halesowen are in need of an opening bowler and there are a lot of opportunities here.'' Gibbons, who is a close friend of Desmond Haynes, spent Monday evening with the West Indies opening batsmen after his team, Middlesex, was in Birmingham to play Warwickshire.

Gibbons is still awaiting his first century with his club but will be pleased with his batting so far, having had knocks of 89, 88 not out, 83, 79 not out, 73, 29 and 19 for an average of 92.00. He has been batting regularly at number three and has also taken 19 wickets. Yesterday he was none for 35 from nine overs.