Coach Gus Logie's passionate plea for more "application" from his batsmen has evidently fallen on deaf ears as the Islanders' aggressive nature again got the better of them at the crease yesterday.

"The pitch seems to be playing easily but what I think is happening is our batsmen are still lacking application - we haven't applied ourselves the way we know we can," explained Bermuda manager Lionel Thomas.

"We lost three or four wickets right at the very end and are now behind the eight ball. And this has set us back greatly and there's no two ways about that."

Chasing Ireland's massive first innings total of 524 for eight declared, Bermuda's batsmen were again guilty of trying to force the issue in search of quick runs when the occasion called for them to occupy the crease instead in the hope of at least forcing the Irish to bat a second

time in the match.

Bermuda were fluttering at 180 for eight at stumps, still 195 runs shy of avoiding the follow on with only two wickets in hand.

"I would think that it has to be a mental thing with us right now. We have to be stronger mentally and learn how to read the game," Thomas continued. "We played a few big shots and if they come off it looks good and everybody says 'brilliant shot'. But if you get out attempting that very same thing, knowing the position the team is in, then you look silly.

"During Ireland's innings not a single six was struck; they kept everything on the carpet, judged well and didn't take any chances. But we on the other hand took a few chances and it showed in the end.

"Overall it was a tough day and showed that we lack experience in the longer version of the game."

Thomas said Bermuda's late batting collapse overshadowed the team's impressive performance in the field during the morning and early afternoon sessions.

"I thought today our bowlers applied themselves while the field placing was a bit better as well. Leverock bowled very well while Steede (Ryan) hung in there as well," he added.

Thomas also heaped praise on left-handed opening batsman Stephen Outerbridge who cracked 53 off 98 balls at the top of the order.

"I was very happy for Stephen because he has looked good but been getting outs when we thought he was stuck in. But today he showed that he can play at this level and I have a lot of faith in this guy," the former Devonshire and Bermuda batsman said.

But with Bermuda's hopes of victory now slim, and their chances of succumbing to another heavy defeat appearing imminent, Thomas said the goal now is to try and salvage pride at the end of what has so far proven to be a traumatic three-week tour of Europe.

"I don't think we are in any position to win this game, there's no two ways about that," he added. "But we can still give a good account of ourselves - and that is what we aim to do."