And if club secretary Stuart Crockwell has anything to do with it, the matter may very well end up in the courts.

Contrary to what Steede told The Royal Gazette on Monday, a contract was in fact signed and money did change hands.

Crockwell yesterday produced evidence on each count, plus a manager's cheque for $6,000 from Steede.

Crockwell said the cheque represented reimbursement of money paid in advance in November, a few weeks after the national team skipper's appointment as player/coach became official.

Steede would shed no light on the subject when contacted yesterday. "I'm looking forward to my season with Devonshire Rec.'' was his only reply.

But Crockwell is adamant Steede will not get away so easily.

"We had no problem with Albert saying to us that he has reconsidered,'' said Crockwell. "If Albert had done it through the right channels, I think the situation would be different.

"But what he's done is just slapped St. David's Cricket Club and its members and supporters in their face and tried to make us the laughing stock of cricket.'' Steede signed a contract with the former Eastern Counties champions on October 27, according to the document Crockwell produced yesterday. It was also learned that a cheque was made out to Steede for $6,000 on November 12 and cashed two days later.

"We will be seeking some sort of legal advice with regards to the contract signing,'' added Crockwell.

St. David's held their annual general meeting on Monday night where most debate was about Steede pulling out of his contract.

It goes without saying now that his chances of representing the club when they attempt to regain the Eastern Counties title are slim at best.

Crockwell would not confirm that, but said: "There is a lot of anger in St.

David's about this right now.'' When interviewed on Monday, Steede intimated that a loss of senior players plus inexperienced youngsters contributed to his decision to stay with Devonshire Recreation Club.

He also mentioned that he was concerned for the future of his career if St.

David's were not capable of finishing in the top eight this season as the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control plans to adopt a Super Eight format in 1995.

Crockwell believes that casts his club in bad light considering their most recent achievements.

He said: "The only reason he gave (cricket committee chairman) Delby Borden was that a lot of pressure was put on him for coming down there and coaching St. David's, and if St. David's didn't finish in the top eight it wouldn't look nice for the national team skipper to be playing in the lower league.

"We finished in the top eight last season and I think it was the first time in a few seasons we hadn't finished in the top four of five. So we are contenders with or without Albert Steede.'' Crockwell also confirmed that former captain James Pace will in fact be playing at St. David's.

The musical chairs scenario was borne by a perceived rift between Pace and Steede. When it looked as if Steede would be with the Islanders, Pace transferred to Devonshire Rec., where he played from 1991-92.

But upon learning that Steede was reneging on his deal and staying with Devonshire, Pace let it be known at Monday's AGM that he will return.

"A transfer form has been submitted to the BCBC with regards to James Pace transferring from Devonshire Rec. to St. David's,'' said Crockwell.