Bermuda 232 USA 149 A do or die final encounter was set yesterday at the Americas Cup cricket tournament as Bermuda and hosts Canada each won their third consecutive match.

Bermuda stormed to an 83-run victory over United States, inspired by the batting of captain Charlie Marshall, who put on a fireworks display with a bludgeoning 95, while Somerset Cup Match hero Kwame Tucker aided greatly with a knock of 43.

"We were good today,'' said a weary, but jubilant coach Winston Reid soon after arriving back at the team hotel late last night. "We had asked somebody else to bat besides the skipper and vice-skipper so that we could get a better all round game and Kwame stepped up and batted beautifully.'' However, early indications pointed to the contrary as after being sent in by the US, Bermuda soon found themselves in trouble at 36 for three. However, desperation turned to success with the pairing of Marshall and Tucker, dropped down the order after opening in the previous matches.

The pair engaged in a 103-run fourth wicket partnership, with Marshall the dominant force, brandishing a sharp sword as he laid into the American attack for six sixes and a similar number of fours.

Tucker too waved the willow in destructive fashion, his innings comprising three sixes and three fours, as he and Marshall took the score to 139 before Tucker fell to a catch by Sookram off the bowling of Wallace.

Wickets then tumbled at regular intervals. However, a typical late order explosion by Lionel Cann boosted the tail, enabling Bermuda to reach a sizable target.

Taking to the field Bermuda were forced to endure a 33-run first wicket stand before Dennis Archer struck first blood with the wicket of Thomas. He returned to remove danger-man Wallace as well to leave their opponents at 51 for two.

Wickets then tumbled at regular intervals as Marshall shuffled his bowlers expertly.

Archer ended up the leading wicket-taker with three for 35, while new ball partner Herbie Bascome claimed two for 36, Janeiro Tucker one for 21 and Hasan Durham one for 25, as US crumbled to 147 all out.

Meanwhile, Canada hammered Cayman Islands to maintain a similar perfect 3-0 record, tallying 111 and then restricting Canada to a total less than 60.

And Reid said that the Bermuda team were looking hungrily at today's encounter at G.Ross Lord Park.

"I feel very confident that we will beat Canada,'' he said. "The thing about this team is that the spirit is high, the guys are motivated and committed and are really lifting their games.

"Canada have a useful team, plus the fact that they are at home and have support that will help them. We have to go out, relax and play a simple game and we can be victorious.

"Everyone is in good spirits. Collectively we're playing as a strong unit, whereby the guys are picking each other up.'' The coach has preached the importance of displaying national pride and that influence has rubbed off with each one showing the drive and determination to achieve success.