Bermuda will launch their bid to regain the ICC Under-15 Americas Regional crown they surrendered to theUSA two years ago at Police Field today where the Island's two representative sides face off against each other in the round-robin tournament.

Representing the Island this year is the Under-15 national squad ,coached by Grant Smith and comprising of several promising players, while George Cannonier has been put in charge of a Bermuda Development XI that is also full of promise.

On paper Smith's squad does appear to have the edge. However, with so much at stake the ex-Cleveland County batsman isn't taking anything for granted.

"I think we have the edge but I do anticipate a good battle. The players themselves are ready and really looking forward to the tournament, and I'm pretty sure they will give a good match for the viewing public," Smith told The Royal Gazette.

"When I saw the draw I was actually very surprised we were playing the other local team first up. It's a bit of a challenge but my squad is prepared and will be ready."

Smith's well-rounded team boasts the likes of leg spinner Tre Govia, who debuted in this year's Cup Match classic as a 15-year old colt, promising all-rounders Joshua Gilbert, Greg Maybury jr, Deunte' Darrell and Keishon Wilson as well as specialists bats Shea Pitcher and Jonte Smith, son of recently retired St.George's Cup Match star batsman Clay Smith.

"I feel very confident and ready to go," smiled an upbeat Govia during an early morning practice session at the National Sports Centre (NSC) yesterday.

Smith, however, isn't pinning his hopes on any one player but moreon a team concept.

"Greg (Maybury), Tre (Govia), Joshua (Gilbert) and Deunte' (Darrell) have all already played at a higher level while a few others in the squad have actually trained at the senior level. But the team isn't based on any one player and we expect all of the boys to perform well," coach Smith stressed.

And having dominated the region at this level in the past decade, naturally expectations will again be high for the young Bermudians. Smith, though, is optimistic his charges will rise to meet the challenges that lay ahead.

"You always go into any tournament with confidence and look to do well and aim to win, and this is no different from any other preparation or tournament we have entered. So we are looking to do well," he declared. "We've been in preparation since last December and so the players really want to prove themselves and are raring to go."

Traditionally, USA and Canada have proven formidable opponents for Bermuda and coach Smith expects to see much of the same in this year's tournament.

"Normally, we have stiffer challenges from the likes of the Americans and Canadians and I guess they will be looking at us as one of their main challenges as well," he said.

Reggie Pearman, president of Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), took the time out on the eve of the tournament to offer the Island's young guns his blessings.

"We wish both teams all the best and encourage Bermuda to come out and watch these talented young players compete against the rest of the Americas Region," he said.

Meanwhile, elsewhere today Canada take on Bahamas at Somerset Cricket Club and USA meet Cayman Island at Lords.

Bermuda Under-15s: G.Maybury (capt), J.Gilbert, D.Darrell, T.Govia, S.Pitcher, K.Wilson, J.Smith, K.Leverock, J.Albuoy, E.DeSilva, D.Collins. M.McGowan, W.White, S.Jones

Bermuda Development XI: C.Burgess, T.Manders, J.Rattery, K.Trott, W.Woodley, R.Trott, A.Logie, I.Lewis, S.Smith, K.Lightbourne, S.Trott, O.Bascome, J.Hawey, E.Ball.

Umpires: S.Douglas, H.Watson.