Former Devonshire Colts and Bermuda international soccer player Ellsworth Lambert yesterday called on local referees to be more consistent in their officiating and interpretation of new rules governing the game.

Lambert, a hard-nosed left-back in his heyday and now a member of Commercial Division outfit Spinning Wheel, was upset with a decision made by Lawrence DeShields during a Saturday match that pitted Wheel against Robin Hood, one which eventually ended in a 1-1 draw.

"The officiating is too erratic,'' said Lambert, still possessing the inner fire -- if not the physical ability -- of his youthful days. "This is a big problem with officiating today and more people (Bermuda Football Association members) need to come out and have a look at these guys and what they're doing.'' His comments come as a consequence of the first half of the encounter when Wheel goal-scorer Keith Bell was ejected after taking exception to an apparent professional foul by Hood's goal-keeper Graham Pitkethly.

Both Bell and the 'keeper slipped in their attempts to get to a bouncing ball in the penalty area, but as Bell got up and looked to shoot Pitkethly grabbed his foot in a blatant attempt to prevent a score.

The striker responded by lashing out at his opponent, which brought the red card from DeShields, with a free-kick awarded to Hood and the initial infraction by the 'keeper ignored.

"It was a gross oversight on the referee's part, that's why Keith lashed out.

The guy (goal-keeper) pulled a professional foul, it was a simple call,'' explained Lambert. "And I'm not beefing because we lost or anything, those guys can't beat us anyway...we played more than a half with 10 men.'' DeShields, a class two referee, could not be reached for comment yesterday and the BFA had not yet received a report of the match.

Both the Commercial and Alliance Division have suffered somewhat in their position as the `training ground' for low level match officials and with the new, harsher treatment of offenders.

Wheel fell to seventh in the standings, ahead of only North Village Rams, as a result of the drawn match. Hood's Mike Haromy notched the second half equaliser that garnered a share of the spoils.

Meanwhile, Island Rangers maintained a slim one point edge at the top of Group A even though they were held 2-2 by defending champions BAA Wanderers.

Michael Corday spurred Rangers to an early lead before Libor Kreml of Wanderers equalised, marking the first time this season BAA had scored from any place other than the penalty spot.

The one goal advantage was restored as Corday struck again before half-time, only to have BAA's Gary Flood complete the scoring three minutes after the break.

Wasting an opportunity to draw even with Rangers were Forties, who were held 2-2 by Exiles at White Hill field.

Exiles actually led 2-0 at the half on a superb 25-yard strike by Giovanni Joseph and another from Craig Tyrrell. This edge was erased as Barry Hughes and Brian Fubler both tallied in the second half.

The big winner on the day ended up being Lobster Pot, who downed Rams 1-0 courtesy of a Ronan Daly score.

Goals came in abundance in Group B led by the 11 posted by leaders Fire Services in an 11-3 mauling of Wolves Pack. Troy Furbert slammed five, while Tracy Bean scored a hat-trick, with Ralph Scott, Denton Leader and Alex Swan managing single strikes.

Somerset Extros likewise got in on the act as Dwaine Richardson spearheaded a 6-3 triumph over Valley. Richardson struck four times, aided by one each from Douglas (Durite) Durrant and Donnie Simmons. James Tyrell (two) and a Larry Smith own goal completed the scoring.

On a day of individual performances Devonshire All-Stars' Jeff Richardson also scored four times in a 6-3 beating of KPMG, with Jimmy Tweed adding the other two. Rob Newman, Neil Clemens and Gary Knight netted for the losers.

The only other game saw St. George's All-Stars extinguish Park United 2-0 as Cal Raynor and Delbert Minors each found the back of the net.

In Alliance play PHC defeated Somerset in the lone group A fixture, with Mark Smith and Randy Boyles scoring for the Zebras to offset a Richard Scott strike.

Group B saw Boulevard and Devonshire Cougars draw 1-1, as did Southampton and St. David's.