victory against Cayman Islands Second XV on Saturday.

Try scorers for Bermuda were Colin Targett, Jonathan Cassidy, Josh McGavern and Danny McGavern and the other 11 points came from the boot of Phil Heaney.

The tournament, which also includes Cayman Islands I, Florida, Jamaica and the Bahamas is being played on Grand Cayman.

The first round of matches were played at the Cayman Rugby Union ground, on a poor surface, according to Bermuda Rugby Union president John Williams.

"The pitch was deplorable,'' said Williams. "It's only three feet above sea level and it's been raining here for two weeks. We tried to run the ball all the time and play open rugby, but it was difficult in the circumstances.'' Tonight, Bermuda face their second opponents Florida on a much better surface at the Truman-Bodden National Stadium, but they will be without the injured Rod Stewart and Shane Gill.

Stewart was the victim of a punch and kick attack, which earned the offending Caymans player a one-match ban. Stewart required a total of nine stitches to two separate wounds on the forehead. Gill has a badly infected hand.

In the other games played so far, Caymans I beat Bahamas 28-0 and crushed Jamaica 41-3, while Florida and Cayman II drew 10-10.

"Everybody here is saying that Caymans I are the tournament favourites,'' said Williams. "We don't agree.''