Bermuda Masters advanced to today?s final of the Antigua Independence Cricket Festival in Antigua in dramatic fashion at Factory Grounds, Antigua yesterday.

Chasing 76 runs for victory, Bermuda?s hopes hung in the balance as they found themselves needing two runs to win with one ball remaining.

However, opening batsman Allen Richardson (22) was equal to the task, pulling the final delivery of the match through mid-wicket and scampering home for two runs to give Bermuda a three-wicket win over tournament favourites Caribbean Sports Club.

Richardson hit three boundaries during his top knock while fellow opener Treadwell Gibbons (11) was the only other local batsmen managing double figures.

?It feels good to reach the final, we really upset the apple cart today, Richardson told last night. ?This was the greatest victory during my 30 years of playing cricket. We had a Bermuda contingent out here with the flag flying and they were also singing and chanting for the other team.? Earlier Caribbean Sports Club won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch dampened from afternoon showers which forced a delay to the start of the match.

The Caribbean team, comprised of mostly Antiguans, were 75 for four when rains returned and eventually brought their innings to a close after 14 overs as umpires determined there was insufficient time to get in the final seven overs lost during the stoppage, leaving Bermuda to chase 76 for victory in 14 overs.

Hoyt Zuill, Clevie Wade and leg break spinner James Swan each claimed one wicket apiece to lead Bermuda?s bowling attack.

Bermuda then left it to late in their reply, losing seven wickets in the process.

The Island?s seasoned warriors will now await the winner of this morning?s match between Canada and Caribbean Sports Club which will ultimately determine their opponents in today?s final. Inclement weather, which has plagued the week-long tournament, has again forced organisers to make changes. Each team will now play two group matches with the top two teams going through to today?s final.

Bermuda qualified having won their two group matches against New Jersey Masters and Caribbean Sports Club.

However, the Island will be at a disadvantage going into today?s clash as key batsmen Ricky Hill and Lionel Thomas are both harbouring injuries, while fast bowler Ken Pitcher and all rounder George Cannonier are both due to return home today.

?We?re going to be hurting in the final because we?re short,? Richardson added. ?We?re only going to have nine players. We have this guy (Gregory Wales) who lives out here from Bermuda. So we may have to put some whites on him and go in the final with ten men.?

Canada defeated England in yesterday?s other match to keep their hopes of reaching today?s final alive.