Gibbons is picking up where he left off with Halesowen in the Birmingham Conference League, with three half-centuries in the last few days. That plus 12 wickets has established him as the leading allrounder in his league.

Gibbons has scored a total of 548 runs at an average of 79.10 which puts him second in the batting while he is also fourth in the bowling, with 34 wickets at 23.40 each.

As a result Gibbons has been chosen to play for the Essex Select against a touring team from Bombay, India on Thursday at Chelmsford, which is the second ground of county team Essex. He is the only Buckhurst player in the Essex Select.

Last Wednesday against Cornwood, Gibbons scored 79 and then claimed three for 29 in a limited overs win. Buckhurst scored 187 for five and then dismissed Cornwood for 143.

Gibbons was also outstanding with the bat and ball on Saturday and Sunday. In the Saturday match, West Essex scored 212 with Gibbons claiming four for 58 from 16 overs. Buckhurst replied with 188 for five to earn a draw as Gibbons finished with 64 not out.

On Sunday, Buckhurst, fifth in the 28-team standings, shocked second-placed Barnet who scored 193 as Gibbons had figures of five for 48 off 14 overs. The Bermudian then scored 86 not out as Buckhurst reached 196 for five to win by five wickets.

"It's such a pleasure to play cricket in England,'' said Gibbons. "They have the best of wickets and fields and most importantly the game is run by professionals.'' Gibbons also took in three days of the second Test match between England and the West Indies at Lord's, including the final day yesterday as England clinched victory to square the series. He said he spent a lot of time in the pavilion on Friday and managed to chat with West Indies captain Richie Richardson.

Northumberland League side Benwell benefitted from the pairing of Glenn and Clay Smith at the top of the order during an eight wicket defeat of neighbours Benwell Hill on Saturday.

After being set a target of 164 by Hill, the Smith duo plundered the opposing attack, notching a century opening partnership, with Glenn topscoring with 70, while Clay contributed 54.

Next week could see four Bermudians on the field at the same time as Benwell entertain Tynedale, which features St. George's products Dean Minors and Gregg Foggo.

Bermuda's youth team, preparing for competition in the International Youth Tournament in Holland next month, will be involved in two evening Cup Match trials against Somerset today and Thursday at Somerset starting at 5.30. All squad players are asked to report to Somerset by 5.30.