NAIROBI, Kenya -- The second phase of the ICC Trophy tournament begins today for Bermuda when they take on Canada at Simba Union.

Bermuda are coming off four successive wins in their preliminary round group and face the once-beaten Canadians on a high note.

Monday's victory over Denmark, which clinched a quarter-final berth, was clearly Bermuda's most complete performance of the tournament thus far.

There were easier victories, but against a team the quality of Denmark, Bermuda had not been so thoroughly convincing in quite some time.

Today's team remains unchanged for the third straight match with Jeff Richardson replacing Allen Richardson as the 12th man.

"We are feeling very confident right now,'' said captain Albert Steede. "The result against Denmark saw us come together well as a team and hopefully we can continue with the same success in the quarter-finals.'' Bermuda continue their quest for a semifinal place by taking on Ireland at Nairoba Gymkhana on Friday and finally the United Arab Emirates at Nairobi Cricket Club on Sunday.

Bermuda have not had much of an opportunity to scout either of the teams in their group E, but it is expected that each of them will present a difficult proposition.

Canada probably handed Bermuda their most famous defeat in ICC competition, an upset semifinal win in 1979 costing Gladstone (Sad) Brown's side a place in the World Cup later that year.

Bermuda atoned for that loss somewhat with a convincing eight wicket win over Canada in 1986, before eventually losing by 10 wickets to champions Zimbabwe in the semifinals.

Group F also begins today with hosts Kenya facing longshots Hong Kong at Gymkhana and favourties Holland taking on second-seeded Bangladesh at Nairobi Premier.

Kenya, the third seeds, have looked vulnerable in their last two matches beating Namibia by 20 runs and then overcoming Canada by three wickets in a match at Gymkhana that was witnessed by over 2,000 people.

Kenya suffered a bit of misfortune in that match as David Tikolo, one of the three brothers in the squad, suffered a broken finger while attempting a catch and was yesterday ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

Holland has the tournament's top run-getter in Barbadian-born Nolan Clarke who has scored 242 runs at an average of 121.00. The averages are led by S.Raza of United Arab Emirates with a mark of 139.00. Third is Dutchman R.Scholte at 99.00 while Bermuda's own Dexter Smith is fourth at 92.50 with 185 runs (third-high from four innings).

Other Bermuda players in the top 100 are Noel Gibbons (38.00, 30th) and Clay Smith (23.30, 61st). Charlie Marshall and Dean Minors have been unbeaten in their times at the wicket and thus do not have an average as yet.

The ICC committee is not publishing overall bowling and fielding statistics but Anthony Edwards' 11 wickets and Minors' 11 wicket-keeping dismissals rank them near the top.

Bermuda's team today v Canada: Dexter Smith, Albert Steede (captain), Clay Smith, Charlie Marshall, Arnold Manders, Noel Gibbons, Clevie Wade, Dean Minors, Anthony Edwards, Terry Burgess, Bruce Perinchief. Reserve: Jeff Richardson.

JEFF RICHARDSON -- Replaces Allen Richardson today.