Bermuda's youth cricketers suffered their third straight loss in the International Youth Tournament, going down by 118 runs to tournament favourites England yesterday.

Batting first, England posted 248 for five in their 50 overs with Quinton Sherlock again leading the Bermuda bowlers with two for 40. Bermuda was then dismissed for 130, after slumping from 90 for four after 20 overs at tea, with Kevin Hurdle and Desmond Crockwell both scoring 22 and Kameron Fox hitting 20.

It was England's third straight win.

"I do think the boys are learning a lot but I don't think they have fully adjusted to the matting,'' said manager Ellsworth Christopher.

"Some of them have not developed a clear and concise pattern to approach the game. The lack of a tactical approach to the game is what kills them.

"They are doing well in containing a side and after awhile they want to bowl them out. I think it's more inexperience for the group in a sound limited overs approach.'' Some of the top performers for Bermuda have been Quinton Sherlock, the leading bowler for Bermuda with eight wickets, allrounder Kameron Fox, Jason Anderson and Maurice Lowe.

"Kameron has been one of the finds of the tournament,'' said Christopher.

"The Dutch have spoken very highly of him. Sherlock has come on late but has done a heck of a job. These two have grabbed the bull by the horns.'' Today Bermuda plays Ireland before taking on Canada and Denmark on Friday and Sunday. Bermuda, meantime, have been confirmed as hosts of the 1997 tournament.