Gershon Gibbons envisions the Bermuda Cricket Board and the domestic clubs working together for the betterment of the local game.

Gibbons, until recently an executive member of Western Stars Sports Club and its Director of Cricket, is running against Lloyd Smith in the BCB’s presidential election tonight at Charities House on Point Finger Road.

Lloyd Fray is stepping down from the presidency, citing his appointment as the Government’s chief information officer as the reason behind his decision not to run for a third term.

If elected, Gibbons, the BCB treasurer, said his plan is to improve the communication between the BCB, the clubs and the umpires association.

Gibbons would also like more emphasis on the development of youth players.

“A big part would be working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that we can get more boys and girls playing cricket [through the schools], with clubs adopting a school,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons, 44, also wants more feedback from the clubs on ways to improve the local game. He admits the standard has regressed since Bermuda competed at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Gibbons is also concerned about the length of the domestic season, which seems to be getting shorter. Last summer the season started in May and was without one of the most popular tournaments, the top-four competition previously sponsored by Belco. It started in 1987 as the Premier Cup, but was not played this year because of a lack of sponsorship.

“We need to look and see what can be done to increase the amount of cricket being played,” Gibbons said. “I hope to work with the Bermuda Football Association, as we use the same fields. The season is starting later and later, and not much cricket is being played.”

Gibbons, who has served as a BCB executive since 2010 and is also the High Performance Committee chairman, recognises the magnitude of the task as Bermuda look to gain promotion from the ICC World Cricket League Division Four.

“As with all sports in Bermuda, finances is a challenge,” he said. “We will look to continue to forge relationships with countries in the Americas region and working with Cricket West Indies to see what is available to us, looking for development opportunities for players, coaches and umpires.

“I also want to see us re-establish the under-15 national team and get them to playing tournaments along with the Academy that already exists.

“The past president did a good job, now it is just a matter of what can we do now to improve our product, our game.

“It’s going to take a concerted effort by both the BCB and the clubs. It can’t be looked at as the BCB’s responsibility, it’s a collective effort between the BCB and the clubs.

“I think I have some ideas that can help us, my main thing is to make sure that we are working together, the clubs and the BCB.

“I’m really on the collaborative wavelength because I think it is important for us to work together. I don’t have all the answers but I’m willing to listen.”