way out again, the Royal Gazette can disclose.

However, the news will catch some club officials by surprise as it is the players themselves -- calling themselves the `Super Eight' -- who have decided they will not be playing again this season.

Discouraged by the inability to field a full team over the last few weeks, the situation reached a peak on Sunday when only eight players showed up and were soundly beaten by Bailey's Bay at Sea Breeze Oval.

"We have seen a good team go from strength in the beginning of the season to what it is now -- eight players,'' the group said in a collective statement.

"We, the so-called `Super Eight' of Nationals are writing to inform the BCBC and the BCUA that we are no longer participating in the 1996 cricket season.

Us eight have shown up to home and away games and counted each player that shows up.'' The team has been bogged by problems this season with captain Bruce Perinchief -- one of those missing on Sunday -- slamming the players for lack of commitment and respect shown him.

Now Perinchief is being criticised by the players.

" He has seen us play with 11, 10 and now eight men and wouldn't even come and try to make up the numbers,'' the statement said.

One player, who asked not to be named, added that Perinchief, despite the injury, toured with the Bermuda team. "He fails to realise that it's domestic cricket which gets you into international cricket,'' the player said.

Perinchief watched the team play on Sunday but did not play because of the injury. "He's been to our last few games, watching us play short,'' said the player.

"He hasn't spoken to any one of us, just stayed away from us, watched and left.'' Among the players who have apparently lost interest are Darrin Lewis, John and Mark Ray, Dave Wright while Jason Lewis is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

"One (John Ray) played last week but he said that was his last game,'' said the player.

It has also been weeks since the team has trained so with two of the eight players unavailable for this weekend it appears the team will struggle to meet the minimum number of seven required to play.

President Jimmy DeCouto is aware of the low morale within the team and has been attempting to arrange a meeting with the captain.

The eight players are not interested in meeting to try to resolve the issue.

"We said it doesn't make sense calling a meeting because the same eight people are going to show up,'' said a player.

Perinchief admits to being shocked at the latest development within the team.

He did say that because of a chipped bone on a finger of his bowling hand, he has been advised by a specialist not to play until July 25 at the earliest.

The injury affected his performances in England and upon returning to Bermuda he had the finger X-Rayed which confirmed a chipped bone.

"I was hoping we could finish the season and then reflect on what we can do better,'' said Perinchief yesterday.

"I'm very sorry it has come to that. This has come to a shock to me but there is not much I can do.

"I really don't understand why guys didn't take pride in their performances last year and try to build on them.

"I think it's very unfair of anyone to question my loyalty. I can't help what my condition is.'' Barry Sousa, former manager and chairman of the sports committee, was concerned when informed yesterday about the latest problems within the team.

"How can the team deteriorate so quickly?'' Sousa asked. Last year under captain Neil Speight they finished a creditable second in the league.

Now there is a possibility they will not even finish the season.

"They wickets are prepared every week and it's up to the players to do their part. I know the club has tried to give the team what they need as far as facilities,'' Sousa said.