the national team's indifferent form in the build-up to the ICC Trophy Tournament which begins on Saturday.

Bermuda have won twice and lost twice in hectic preparation for their Group D encounters with West Africa, Hong Kong, Fiji and Denmark and Steede yesterday stressed that the best was still to come.

The preliminary schedule will be completed today in a third match against Young Kenya, to be hosted by Sinma Union, with the proposed date with Ireland tomorrow scratched.

"We are looking for a solid all-round performance tomorrow to get our confidence level higher and make sure guys are in good nick, whether batting or bowling,'' said Steede.

"I am more concerned with our fielding. Because the outfields are so bumpy we had a training session today concentrating solely on fielding.'' Bermuda's last outing resulted in a 40-run loss to Young Kenya at Aga Khan after the African side hit a massive 283 for five in their 50 overs.

"From the sidelines we looked very sharp, especially the opening bowlers in the first 10 to 12 overs,'' said Steede, who sat out for the first time.

"I think Pacer (Anthony Edwards) and Terry (Burgess) bowled extremely well, but in the middle we had a problem with Arnold (Manders) and Noel (Gibbons) not bowling to their field.'' Chasing such a total, Bermuda started at a dashing pace but were quickly pegged back to 50 for four before Charlie Marshall settled in for a high score of 65.

The problem in this tournament, however, will be keeping the opposing teams inside 250.

"We just gave up too much runs,'' reflected Steede. "They scored a lot of ones and twos and we failed to get the ones and twos as often as they did.

"Charlie gave us a good start from the early order while Del (Hollis) and Pacer did well to help us fight back. There is no cause for concern yet. When it comes to tournament time, people will really buck up.'' Wicket-keeper Dean Minors is being rested for today's final warm-up match while vice-captain Clevie Wade, who re-injured his right thumb on Monday, will also sit out, though he is expected to be ready for Sunday. Medium-pacer Quinton Burch gets the nod over fast bowler Kenny Phillip.

After today, rest will be the optimum word with only light net sessions scheduled until tournament time.

"We are not going to have that game against Ireland because we have either practised or played every day since we've been here,'' explained Steede. "If we do anything until Sunday it will be net practice.'' After yesterday's morning session, team manager McDonald Swan, Noel Gibbons and Dexter Smith scouted West Africa in a friendly against Holland.

Holland, the top seeds in the tournament, won by seven wickets with 19 overs to spare in chasing 211. The Dutch were disappointing in the field as at least five chances were put down.

The West Africans looked poorly organised in the field with only two bowlers causing any trouble. Their batsmen did not look comfortable against pace.

Despite the low marks for West Africa, who are comprised of players from Nigeria, Sierre Leone and Ghana, Steede refused to look by them.

"We are not going to take any team lightly because on any given day any team can win,'' he said. "We just want to play our best cricket.

"If we play our best cricket no one in our group should beat us. And that is what we are looking at right now, our group. We need to take care of that and then look ahead.'' Yesterday's practice results: West Africa 211 for six, Holland 212 for three (31.3 overs); Papua New Guinea 125, Young Kenya 129 for eight (34 overs); Argentina 161 for nine, Fiji 164 for five (42.2 overs), Namibia 201 for eight, United Arab Emirates 202 for five (45 overs).

Bermuda's team for today: Dexter Smith, Albert Steede, Clay Smith, Charlie Marshall, Arnold Manders, Noel Gibbons, Jeff Richardson, Quinton Burch, Bruce Perinchief, Anthony Edwards, Terry Burgess. Reserves: Kenny Phillip, Allen Richardson.