Bermuda's under-19 squad might be down ? but they're not necessarily out.

Currently competing at the Sir Gary Sobers Schools Cricket Tournament in Barbados, the squad lost their opening match against Queen's Park Club on Monday by five wickets at the Bereton Cricket Club grounds.

But despite the loss, assistant coach Andre (Doc) Manders is confident the local boys will eventually find their groove and play to their full potential.

After assessing the team's performance on Monday, coach Herbie Bascome and Manders stressed the importance of running between the stumps, shot selection and bowling a steady line and length ? vital areas where the team will have to improve if they are to reap success in the Caribbean.

Bermuda, who had the day off yesterday to practise, are competing in Group A, in which each of the six teams will play against each other twice in a round robin format with the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals.

Bermuda are scheduled to meet Dominica School today at the Empire Cricket Grounds.

"A lot of the guys were dismissed playing bad shots, especially when facing the spinners," Manders told from Barbados.

"They weren't hitting the bad balls and eventually they got bogged down and then tried to hit their way out of trouble. These matches over here are 40-over contests and it's important we pick up the singles and also build partnerships.

"A lot of the players were a bit disappointed with their shot selection and the manner in which they got themselves dismissed. So we have encouraged them to work on their batting and try to stay at the wicket longer."

Things that pleased Manders were the team's performance in the field and their bowling, for the most part.

"Our fielding was excellent but our opening bowlers (Kieron Trott and Lamar Richardson), I think, bowled a bit short and that's what we need to work on at the moment. The spinners (Jade' Foggo and Rodney Trott) bowled very well and Malachi (Jones) came on and bowled fairly well too. The wickets down here are very true and if you drop anything short then you will be punished," he added.

Changes are expected for today's clash against Dominica, with all-rounder Dennico Hollis and batsman Reginald Baker expected to receive their first taste of action.

"Everybody will get a chance to play because we play against each team twice," Manders assured. "I think the guys might have been a little nervous in their opening game coming up against the tournament's top team. But they will be OK."