Just three minutes into a lunchtime meeting, the embattled executive committee of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control decided to resign en bloc.

On their way out of the BCBC office yesterday, letters, in envelopes addressed "to whom it concerns,'' were left behind for those ready to take over the helm of Island cricket.

Leaving are president Ed Bailey, first vice president Rudolph Lawrence, second vice president Ellsworth Christopher, secretary Wilton Smith and assistant secretary/treasurer Wally Manders. BCBC treasurer Neil Speight was not present at yesterday's meeting.

Bailey's letter read, in part: "It is with great regret that I choose to retire as the president of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control as of July 23, 1997, following my tenure of 141 years.

"My decision is a personal one, although I realise it will impact severely on Bermuda's cricket.

"No doubt my love for the sport will always be strong, regardless of the enormous misunderstandings and misgivings of those who have desperately made efforts to put their own selfish agenda ahead of the welfare of the game of cricket.

"I have endeavoured to ensure that the necessary changes in Bermuda's cricket were made, but often encountered financial obstacles.

"I wish to thank the clubs, board members, administration, players, fans and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (sic) for their kind support over the last decade, plus.'' Bailey took over from Alma (Champ) Hunt in 1983 but over the last few weeks pressure had been mounting on him and his executives by club affiliates to resign in the wake of another poor performance by the Bermuda team at the ICC Tournament and allegations of poor conduct by some players in Malaysia.

Drug tests also were not carried out on players prior to the tour, despite promises from Bailey that they would.

Club affiliates wishing to oust the executive also pointed to a general decline in standard at the domestic level and the lack of a viable youth league since Shell severed its ties with the sport a few years ago.

A special meeting called by affiliates on Tuesday night failed to remove the executives when Bailey ruled the meeting unconstitutional because the letter advising the BCBC of the meeting was not signed by all the clubs.

Yesterday the executives gave in to the pressure and stepped down.

"Obviously I have indicated that I would always be available to assist but I don't feel very confident that I have left cricket in the best hands,'' said Bailey, confirming his resignation to The Royal Gazette . "The talent that has been lost is going to be very difficult to replace. There is no regard for the welfare of the sport. "I don't feel forced out, I'm not so silly that I don't know when to go but I just think some people who feel they should be making the major decisions are underestimating the job.'' Bailey can point to some proud achievements during his tenure as president, such as the amalgamation of the Somers Isles Cricket League and the BCBC in 1990, the country's entry into the Shell/Sandals Tournament last year, the staging of two International Youth Tournaments and several outgoing and incoming tours, including a number of Test playing countries over the last six years.

Bermuda is set to enter under 15 and under 19 tournaments in the Caribbean next year, but those opposing Bailey feel too much emphasis was being placed on international competition to the detriment of the domestic programme.

The decline in the standard of play at youth level was evident earlier this month when the Bermuda team lost all six matches in the IYT on home soil.

"I chaired the ICC Qualification Committee and that wasn't for me but for Bermuda,'' said Bailey yesterday.

"The Shell/Sandals was hard work because we had been knocking on the West Indies door for all of the 60s, 70s and 80s. The number of West Indian tours to Bermuda have increased with just about every island been here.'' It is not known what direction the new administration will take cricket, whether they will follow up with plans for Bermuda to enter the 1999 Red Stripe or even if Bermuda will send a team to the Shell/Sandals in October.

"You are going to have to challenge those people who are there and ask them what are their ideas and which direction they will go,'' said Bailey.

"I think Bermuda will have to start all over again with international connections.

"We are not insignificant but it's not everybody who knows Bermuda and sometimes knowing an individual plays a big part.'' BAILEY'S LAST STAND -- Despite support from from the likes of St. George's Mansfield Smith (right), Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Ed Bailey (left) and his executive yesterday stepped down.