There were a total of 26 events scheduled and swam as timed finals, with the purpose of the Spring meets to give swimmers the opportunity to qualify, by reaching an A time and for selection to the national squad. Then, by reaching a triple-A time, participants can gain selection to the age group team which will represent Bermuda in July in Oaxtepec, Mexico in the Caribbean and Central American Age Group Championships (CCCAN).

On Saturday all the swimmers attempted to make personal best times and many reached that goal. Nuri Lathan, 12, of Sharks reached the triple-A qualifying standard for the CCCAN in July when he clocked 1:21.33 in the 100 metres breaststroke. Several other swimmers came close enough to close the gap, either in Waterloo this coming weekend or at the later Spring meets.

Swimmers who reached the double-A standard, which means that they are in sight of the triple-A times are: Stephen Fahy (100, 200 metres butterfly and 200 metres IM), Trevor Ferguson (200 and 100 metres freestyle), Stephen Troake (200 backstroke, 100 freestyle), Ronald Cowen (200 backstroke), Craig Ferguson (200 breaststroke) and Paul Fox (50 freestyle).

Several other swimmers who are expected to make the qualifying time for selection for CCCAN are now going to school and training abroad. These include Craig Roberts, Matthew Hammond, William Massey, Michael Hanson and Trevor Nelson.

On Thursday the Bermuda team leaves for Waterloo, Ontario to participate in the Long Course Championships. The next Spring Series meet takes place on May 20.

BOWLING BOW Buy and Sell crashed to their third straight loss in the Barritt's Sportsmen's League, this time to last placed Young Blood 15-12 who rolled a 2,519 series.

Buy and Sell also got on the team honours list with a 2,523 series and 886 game but it was Young Blood who came out on top though they are still anchored at the bottom of the league.

Second placed Pembroke Juniors also crashed to defeat, going down 22-5 to Sparks who jumped ahead of them in the standings. Sparks topped the team honours list with the high series of 2,814 and top game of 1,034 while Juniors were second with their 2,737 series and 1,031 game.

Hank Rawlins of Sparks had a high game of 652 and second high game of 233 while Gilbert DeCosta of Pembroke Juniors had a top game of 239 and second high series of 608. Dean Lightbourne had a 216 game for the Juniors.

Mini Forwarders rolled a third high game of 887 on their way to a 191 -71 win over Warwick Reds. Steve Wales led the winners with his third high 601 series while Leroy Ming had a 225 third high game for the losers.

In the other match Social Club beat Warwick Whites 15-12 with Yummy Easton leading the winners with his 592 series.

CHESS CHS The Independents won the Neville Marks team event last week by beating Bishops 4-2 in final round action to end with the maximum three points while Islanders were runners-up on one-and-a-half points.

Tonight will see the start of the season's premier individual event sponsored by the Bank of Butterfield. This will be played over seven rounds, using a Swiss formula.

On Saturday at noon at the Saltus Junior school the annual schools' individual championship will be held.

VOLLEYBALL VOL The Bermuda Volleyball Association will hold the second doubles tournament of the season on Saturday starting at 9.00 at Bernard Park.

There will be A and B divisions for the men and women, as registration warrants. Teams can register by leaving the players' names, contact number and desired division on the association hotline (291-1898) by Thursday.

BASKETBALL BAS The Bermuda Basketball Association is planning to hold its first annual Youth Summer League this year. The league is open to teams consisting of eight to 10 players between the ages of 15 and 17. Anyone interested should contact Tim Trott about early registration at 236-0392 after 6 p.m. on Tuesdays or Wednesdays or after 3 p.m. on Sundays.

WATERLOO BOUND -- National team members competing in Canada this week are, front row, left to right: Jonathan Herring, Travis Tucker, Darryl Steynor, Scott Simmons, Graham Smith and Paul Fox. Second row: Gareth Davies (national team coach), Chris King, Chris White, Timmy Pereira, Zoe Roberts and Elisha Miller. Third row: Michael Pantry, Tom Simmons (coach), Sara King (coach and team manager), Nicholas Van de Weg and Tamika Williams. Back row: Stephen Troake, Trevor Ferguson and Craig Ferguson.