MCC 195-8 A scintillating century by top batsman Clay Smith was not enough to save Bermuda's ICC squad from a two-wicket loss to the MCC at Somerset on Saturday.

The tourists chalked up their second straight win on a day when few of the local batsmen were able to offer creditable batting displays, aside from Smith and opener Albert Steede. Smith finished with 106 and Steede 35.

The pair added stability to the innings after Bermuda lost the other opener Ricky Hill (two) at nine, Smith and Steede putting on 111 for the second wicket.

However, that proved to be the only real highlight of the batting because few others managed to weather the attack led by right-arm seam bowler Tim Kirk, who finished with three for 30 off 7.5 overs, and right-arm medium pace opening bowler Deon Kruis, who took two for 33 off 10 overs.

Few would have betted against Bermuda failing to reach the double century mark, especially when Smith and Steede were producing glorious shots during their impressive stand.

But once Steede was caught behind off medium pacer Bazid Khan, Smith was unable to find anyone capable of giving him support -- Smith himself staying long enough to reach his fine century before being caught behind off Kirk.

Among those falling cheaply were Janeiro Tucker (nought), skipper Charlie Marshall (nought), Richard Basden (one), Kwame Tucker (five) and Dwayne Leverock (seven).

Smith scored his first 50 in 76 minutes and reached the century mark off 126 balls, batting for 150 minutes. He struck 12 fours and four sixes.

Sadly, no other Bermudian batsman was able to reach double figures.

Thanks to some delightful stroke play by openers Philo Wallace (39) and Paul Atkins (59), MCC got off to a majestic start to their innings, the duo putting on 63 and making the local bowlers look mediocre.

But just when Wallace was in full flow he was beaten by a fine delivery from seamer Basden and was bowled. But Atkins and new bat Khan (20) added 49 for the second wicket to put the visitors in a commanding position once again at 112 for two.

Wallace hit six fours and a six while Atkins struck seven fours, reaching his half century off 70 balls.

Khan, Atkins and Steve Marsh (one) were to fall within a span of 21 runs to give Bermuda hope with the score now 133 for four, but Robin Jones stood his ground and his valuable innings of 33 helped to take the visitors within reach of their winning target.

Jones was caught by Marshall off Basden to make the score 177 for seven, but with Kirk scoring 12 and Ben Oliver chipping in with 10 they were able to inch to victory with two wickets in hand and four overs and five balls to spare.

Janeiro Tucker led the local bowlers with two for 35 off 8.1 overs while Basden had two for 43 off 10 overs.

Clay Smith: Quickfire century.