the weekend at BAA field was pronounced an unqualified success by organiser Dan Tucker.

Teams representing Connecticut, Gettysburg and Messiah Colleges, all of NCAA Division III affiliation, were invited to the island to compete against two local sides as part of preparation for the upcoming season. And for those who witnessed the matches there was plenty of excitement and entertainment for the money.

"It was great,'' said Tucker. "All the women's teams enjoyed themselves and said that they will be back...and not necessarily as a player.'' "It was also good exposure for the Bermudian women and they now realise how tough the American programmes really are...I think they may have taken them a bit lightly coming in.'' Indeed, Bermuda `A' were on the crest of a wave after soundly defeating Gettysburg 3-1 in the opening match, but this initial success was fleeting as eventual tournament champions Messiah, of Grantham, Pennsylvania, soon brought them back to earth with a 1-0 win on Saturday.

Bermuda though showed their ability to rebound, managing a 2-2 draw against Connecticut for an overall 1-1-1 record.

Largely an inexperienced bunch, Bermuda `B' were eclipsed in all three of their matches by a combined score of 11-1. They were beaten just 1-0 by Messiah in their opening game, but under rainy conditions during the second match numerous flaws were exposed as Connecticut pummelled them 7-0.

Gettysburg completed Bermuda's 0-3 record with a 3-1 defeat in the final match.

Regardless of the scorelines Tucker said that he was pleased and hoped other club affiliates would see fit to embark on similar ventures to help promote the sport among women.

"The soccer from the Bermudians and Americans was of a really high calibre and pretty entertaining,'' said Tucker, involved with Rock Sports, part sponsors of the tournament along with BAA. "The Americans said they were impressed with the Bermudians' standard of play. The speed and finishing of the local girls was really strong.'' Tucker also hinted at the possibility of women securing soccer scholarships or some sort of financial aid packages by attracting the attention of college coaches.

In any case, the tournament undoubtedly gave the local girls a timely boost heading in to the new season.