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Stage is set for Florida cricket tour

Yes -- and Bermuda will be there as the first ever Easter Cup Match featuring Bermuda and United States select team is set to take place next month.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) president Ed Bailey yesterday revealed details of the proposed tour, which has matches scheduled for Good Friday and Easter Sunday at the New York Yankees spring training complex in Fort Lauderdale.

The match against the US will be a day-night limited overs affair -- the first for either nation -- beginning at 7 p.m., while the second fixture has Bermuda taking on a Florida Cricket Association XI starting at 1 p.m.

Devonshire Rec. batsman Albert Steede has been chosen to captain the squad, with the remainder of the team to be announced later.

With the Australian Test team due to tour Bermuda in May, Bailey said that the venture would help get those in the squad "match ready''.

"What it does is give the players a challenge,'' said Bailey in announcing the plan. "People here tend to think that you have to go to England or the West Indies to play challenging cricket, but that's not necessarily so. This will be inexpensive as well as competitive and gives us one more competition to participate in.

"It's an opportunity to play an upper level of cricket and provides a golden opportunity to take a young team to get ready for the Australians.'' The teams in Florida are expected to contain several former Red Stripe players and those having experience at the club level playing in the West Indies.

Many have moved to Florida in search of improved career opportunities, while continuing to play part-time.

It is also hoped that closer ties can be fostered between Bermuda and US cricket as a result.

Also highlighted by Bailey was the very real chance of Bermuda being involved in a triangular series in November along with Canada and the US.

With the BCBC annual general meeting taking place tonight it is yet unclear as to who will stand for president.

And while it appears as though incumbent Ed Bailey will again seek re-election, he was non-committal yesterday.

Asked if he would run or if he had received support from member affiliates, Bailey said: "I've been assured by a lot of clubs.

"A lot has been accomplished during my tenure and I can still do the job.

Look at the progress we've made from getting our own office, entrance into the ICC tournament, all the tours...my record speaks for itself.'' Meanwhile, rumoured challenger Reginald Pearman, current secretary of the BCBC, likewise refused to affirm his entrance into the race, saying: "My position is unchanged. I will not be committing myself either way.''