season of cricket in England hopeful that he will get an invitation to play in South Africa in the coming months.

Plans to have him extend his career in that country are already in the works and yesterday the St. George's Cup Match and Bailey's Bay player was keeping his fingers crossed in hope that confirmation would come soon to pave the way for his departure in the next couple of weeks.

Should things develop favourably it would be another huge step in Smith's rapid progress overseas.

His first full season with Benwell Cricket Club of the Northumberland Cricket League proved to be an overwhelming success, one that saw him exceed all expectation--highlighted by a batting average of 85 that topped the league.

Another huge feat for the 22-year-old player was the establishing of a new league batting record in the middle of the season when he hammered an undefeated 212, a remarkable performance that produced 13 sixes and 20 fours.

Smith has a high regard for the standard of play in the league, rating it at a level just above Bermuda's Premier Division and certainly not one made up of older players with diminishing ability.

"Yes, it has indeed been a great season for me with Benwell, one that has surpassed all of my expectations. I wanted to do well, but never thought I would accomplish as much as I did,'' said Smith.

The club is obviously pleased with his contributions having already revealed that they would be considering him for the professional position next season.

While this would mean another huge step forward in his career, Smith is more focussed on the immediate future which is the anticipated opening of a position with a South African club.

Chris Craven, a South African who plays for Benwell's neighbours Benwell Hill Cricket Club in the Northumberland league, is the individual who is working on paving the way for Smith.

"We have chatted a lot about this and he has returned home to look into it, hopefully something positive will come out of this in the very near future,'' said Smith.

"The Bermuda Cricket Board of Control is aware of what's happening and they have given their backing for me to go if the invitation comes through. I really think going will continue to assist in quickening my development.'' One disappointment for Smith this summer was his inability to get regularly among the runs when he returned home for Cup Match and to represent Bailey's Bay in the Eastern Counties Cup competition.

He made it clear that he was not pleased with his meagre run production in these matches, but admitted that he was anxious to return home for today's testimonial game for Clarence Parfitt and to have a chance to redeem himself in the last local game of the season.

"I was excited to have been invited to play, as it turned out my season at Benwell ended in time for me to come back for the testimonial game,'' he said.

"I have never seen Parfitt play, but I have heard about his accomplishments over the years and there is no doubt that he has been a remarkable player. It is a real honour for me to be involved in the celebrations.''