Following the loss of injured all rounder Jacobi Robinson, life just might have gotten tougher for Bermuda on the eve of today's opening Intercontinental Cup clash with hosts Netherlands in Amstelveen.

Robinson's unfortunate omission has left Bermuda team management with just enough numbers to field a team for this week's big assignment against what is expected to be a formidable Dutch line-up.

Yet inspite of obvious shortcomings ¿ coupled with back-to-back losses to the Danes in Denmark in a dress rehearsal last week - team morale remained surprisingly high yesterday during last-minute preparations at the plush Volharding Rap Amstels Cricket Club ground near the capital, Amsterdam.

"Nothing seems to dull the spirit of the guys and we've always talked about being mentally strong in the face of adversity," said national coach Gus Logie. "The results may not always be positive, but I think we are getting used to playing against the odds.

"It's not the ideal situation being down to 11 men for the four- day encounter which is going to test us to the limit. But each individual will have to step their game up and hopefully compensate."

Bermuda and the Netherlands played to a high-scoring draw in South Africa the last time to the two countries met.

But since then Bermuda have undergone a facelift and are now without several key cast members who have either bowed out of international cricket or were unable to make the trip to Europe through work or personal commitments.

Yet while coach Logie would probably give a lot to have the strongest possible squad assembled on the field, he urged those who have come in as replacements to adapt an overall positive approach towards the game and keep mentally focused on the immediate task at hand.

"We have to be realistic about the situation, but some of the younger players have an opportunity to prove themselves and I am looking forward to seeing them progress more than anything else," he said.

"So we are looking forward to another challenge against

the Netherlands. We have played against them on a few occasions before and so we know exactly what to expect."

Bermuda have gone through a barren spell since defeating the Cayman Islands convincingly in 2005 to clinch the Americas Division and advance to the Intercontinental Cup semi-finals in Namibia.

But with the proper mental approach and resolve Logie is optimistic his team can reverse the trend and make a good account of themselves in Holland.

"To emulate any past achievements, we need a similar commitment level of the players and a good start in the competition," added the man who coached the West Indies to ICC Champions Trophy glory in 2004.

"So we are looking forward to seeing some good individual performances and trust that it will be enough to benefit the whole team."

Holland, meanwhile, will be keen to get their own Intercontinental Cup bid back on track following a recent lopsided loss to Scotland, meaning Bermuda could have a real dog fight on their hands.

"I know Bermuda is missing some good players - and I feel sorry for them. But when we step on the field I want my team to be ruthless," stated Netherlands coach Paul Jan Bakker.

The Netherlands defeated Canada by six wickets in Toronto in their opening Intercontinental Cup match last June, but came crashing to earth with a thud courtesy of an innings and 59 run loss to the Scots in Scotland.

Holland are without Essex batsman Ryan ten Doeschate and the injured Jeroen Smits (broken hand), but have still managed to piece together what appears to be a good all-round squad on paper.

A bold Bakker, added: "No disrespect to Bermuda, but if we produce a clinical performance and win comprehensively, it will do a world of good to our confidence."

Bermuda: Irving Romaine (capt.), Stephen Outerbridge (vice-capt.), Dwayne Leverock, Lionel Cann, Jekon Edness (wk), James Celestine, Arthur Pitcher, Ryan Steede, George O'Brien Jr., Dwight Basden, Roderick Masters.