in Blue' embark on a tour Down Under.

A 37-member contingent representing the local service are on their way to Perth, Western Australia to take part in the International Police Cricket tournament alongside nine other outfits, including defending champions Barbados.

"We lucked out last time, just missing making it to the semi-finals on run-rate,'' explained player/manager Richard Austin. "But we're expecting to definitely make it to the semi-finals this time around, that's the first aim, beyond that we would want to go through to the finals. We've had quite a bit of training up here on the concrete wickets at Police Field, and quite a bit of physical here at the gym under Darren Glasford and Robert Goodchild.

The one-day, limited-overs (45 overs) event starts February 24, with a round-robin competition that will see Bermuda squaring off against six of the nine units involved, starting with South Africa, followed by fixtures against Victoria, Lancashire, Western Australia, Sussex, London Metropolitan -- other sides include Canada, Barbados and Worcester.

At the completion of the round robin phase the top four teams will go through to the semis on March 8, with the final set for the next day.

Austin noted that he expected tough challenges from all nine squads, but highlighted three in particular.

"You have Barbados for sure that will warrant attention as the defending champions, and also the first losing finalists in the '96 tournament,'' said Austin. "South Africa can't be ruled out, they were the '96 winners and I believe they lost in the semi-finals in Barbados.

"Then there is Western Australia, who as the home team you can never rule out, and there is also a report that Lancashire is very strong, so we will have to be on guard.'' Former Cup Match batsman Stevie Lightbourne will lead the charge, with able support from the likes of premier bats Dennis Archer, Ferdinand Thorne, Dave Greenidge and vice-captain and wicketkeeper Andrew Rollins.

On the bowling side Freston Hurdle, Austin and guest players Anthony Braithwaite and Ozzie Hinds should carry the bulk of the pace bowling chores -- Archer and Thorne will no doubt also be used in abundance -- while Peter Philpott is the specialist spinner.

The trip will also serve as an ideal lead in to the domestic season, with Police noted slow starters.

"I would just like to thank all of our sponsors for their support, we will be going all out to do everyone proud,'' added Austin.

There will also be a Six-A-Side fun tournament on March 4, with each service forwarding two teams.

The Bermuda tour party is due to meet in London, before making the final passage to Australia.

Tour party: Stevie Lightbourne (captain), Andrew Rollins (vice-captain), Peter Philpott, John Pitcher, Gregory Sampson, Cal Smith, Neon Steede, Terry Thomas, Ferdinand Thorne, Dennis Archer, Anthony Braithwaite, Dave Greenidge, Ozzie Hinds, Freston Hurdle, Okina McGovern, Richard Austin (player/manager), Robert Goodchild (physio), Darren Glasford (physio), Carlyle Butcher (coach), Sinclair White (Chef de Mission).

Boys in blue -- in white: Police team-mates Andrew Rollins (wicketkeeper) and Stevie Lightbourne (centre) who will be looking for success in Australia. Also pictured is Dwayne Leverock who is not in the tour party.