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Bermuda's fastest bowlers Traddie Simpson and George O'Brien will both be playing for Police this year with the Premier Division new boys pulling off the transfer coup of the winter.

In a series of bold transfer moves Police, promoted last season from the First Division, have assembled the dream pace attack and transformed themselves from relegation contenders to potential title challengers.

Police also picked up big-hitting Guyanese batsman James Celestine from Cleveland to add firepower to their top order.

And new boy O'Brien, perhaps the most talented young bowler in Bermuda, believes they will finish in the top half of the table.

The Cup Match ace, who has been in and out of the national team because of personal and disciplinary reasons, said it had been time for a change. And his sister, who works for the police, had convinced him to turn out for the boys in blue.

He said he was looking forward to teaming up with Simpson to give the Premier League's opening batsmen some sleepless nights.

"I suppose there will be a little bit of competition between us. I think we can give some teams a bit of trouble," said O'Brien.

As for which of the two is the fastest on the island, O'Brien insists 'I think I got him'.

The young pacer believes Police have a strong side, with the addition of Celestine to the batting order, but is keeping his own targets simple.

"I just want to take wickets and have a good haul at the end of the season.

In the First Division Bailey's Bay enhanced their chances of promotion with off-spinning all-rounder Rodney Trott returning to his home club where he is expected to take over the captaincy.

Crowd favourite Glenn Blakeney transferred back to Bay after winning the title with Social Club last season and Trott's Under-19 team mate Dennico Hollis will also be playing his cricket at the Sea Breeze Oval this season.

2006 champs Southampton Rangers were the biggest losers with Simpson joined through the exit door by Bermuda's athlete of the year Dwayne Leverock and veteran opening batsman Curtis Jackson, both of whom will team up with former Bermuda skipper Clay Smith at Cleveland.

But Rangers have brought in a clutch of new players, including Shannon Raynor from St. David's and Gerald Simons from PHC, to replace the veterans. And with Malachi Jones eligible again after playing for the Under-19s last year, Janeiro Tucker's men still look a formidable outfit.

St. David's, runners up last season, also lost a couple of players with former skipper Sammy Robinson opting to join Warwick and promising wicket-keeper batsman Fiqre Crockwell going down a division to join PHC.

Mackie Crane was one of a clutch of players to join Devonshire Rec, who were promoted last season, alongside Police. Promising young opening batsman Stephen Bremar also transferred to Rec from Warwick.

Champions Social Club picked up bowler Nelson Bascome from relegated Flatts and kept the bulk of their title winning side. Western Stars picked up Under-19 graduate Khiry Furbert to enhance their bid to bounce back from relegation to the First Division.[[In-content Ad]]

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