launched.

The Men's Invitational Slow Pitch competition will take place over three days (December 9, 10 and 11) and will showcase Bermuda's top players as well as a host of resident expatriates in what is hoped to be an annual event at Bernard Park.

Four teams, encompassing three different countries -- Canada, United States and Bermuda -- will make up the tournament, which has an initial round robin format followed by a championship game between the top two sides, and a consolation final.

Local hopes rest with the appropriately titled Bermuda All-Stars coached by Dean Williams, containing the likes of Braxton Stowe, Anthony Mouchette, James Pace and Austin John among the 12-man roster.

Representing Canada will be the Canadian Mooseheads, with Al MacKinnon and Mario Valcourt sharing the coaching duties as well as playing. MacKinnon also doubles as the tournament coordinator.

Meanwhile, the US has two offerings in the form of the USNAS Bombers, with Darryl Watson in charge, and the USA Rubbernecks, guided by Steve Brechtel.

The Bombers are expected to provide a particularly strong challenge, having won the Men's Division in the Summer League numerous times and known to display great tenacity, possibly due to their navy background.

Umpires for the matches will be Pat Pamplin and Frank Morgan.

The rules governing the Commercial League will be used for the competition with a few exceptions: Teams can use 12 players in the game to bat and can substitute the two extra fielders anytime throughout the game for defensive purposes.

Also, each team will be allowed just one home run per inning. Any more will count as an out.

The two teams with the best records through the round robin will meet in the championship game next Sunday (8.00 p.m.) preceded by the consolation final at 6.30 p.m.

A most valuable player will also be selected and will receive a $250 travel voucher.

It is hoped that the event will become an annual fixture on the softball calendar.

Schedule: Friday -- Bermuda v USA Rubbernecks (6 p.m.); Canada v USNAS Bombers (7.30 p.m.); Bermuda v Canada (9 p.m.).

Saturday -- Rubbernecks v USNAS Bombers (12 noon); USNAS Bombers v Bermuda (1.30 p.m.); Rubbernecks v Canada (3 p.m.) Sunday -- Consolation final (6.30 p.m.); Championship final (8 p.m.)