Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman has commended local cricketers Jekon Edness and Stephen Outerbridge for successfully completing studies at University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) in the UK.

The senior national team pair are the first of the Board's Scholarship candidates to graduate with university degrees.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Edness, nephew of BCB development director Arnold Manders, graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in sports and physical education while top order bat and part-time medium pacer Outerbridge leaves with a Bachelor's degree in sports and exercise science.

BCB chief Pearman has described Edness and Outerbridge as "role models" and hopes others will follow in their footsteps.

"Stephen and Jekon are important members of the national team and are great role models for all our young players aspiring to play for Bermuda," he said, in a written press statement.

"Promoting and developing the youth has been the major cornerstone of the BCB Development Programme and I am extremely pleased to confirm that both these young men have done exceptionally well, both academically and in cricket."

The BCB launched their scholarship programme in 2003 to help afford aspiring cricketers the opportunity of enrolling in one of the UK's six University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE).

Both players represented Bermuda during April's World Cup qualifiers in South Africa where Outerbridge thrived with the bat, compiling 365 runs from seven innings at an average of 60.83 with a high score of 107 achieved against Uganda at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

Outerbridge also featured in a record 223 run second-wicket partnership with star bat David Hemp (170 not out) against the Ugandans who set Bermuda a daunting target of 353 runs to chase.

The early order bat, who stroked a maiden first class century against Scotland in the Intercontinental Cup last year, has attributed the elevation of his game to the skills acquired at UWIC.

"Attending UWIC was a great experience for me which allowed me to work and train with some leading first class players and ex-Test cricketers. My game has improved during my time in England, both domestically and at the international level," Outerbridge said.

Added Edness: "I am ecstatic to graduate from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. Attending UWIC opened me up to a higher level of sport and education and it has been beneficial to my overall development as a student and athlete."

Both players also thanked the Board, family and employers for affording them an education as well as the opportunity to develop as cricketers and positive citizens in the community.