Bermuda 207

St.Lucia President's XI 173

George O'Brien jr produced a man-of-the-match performance to inspire Bermuda to a 34-run win against a St.Lucia President's Select at the Beausejour Cricket Ground (BCG) in St.Lucia yesterday.

Batting at number nine, the Police fast bowler banged five sixes and two fours in a team high 49 off 40 balls in Bermuda's total of 207 for eight in 50 overs. He then capped off a superb all-round display by grabbing four for 47 to restrict the host team to 173.

O'Brien also shared in a vital 67-run stand with skipper Irving Romaine (35) for the eighth wicket that rescued Bermuda from the ticklish position of 110 for five.

Also making a significant contribution to Bermuda's total was Stephen Outerbridge who chipped in with 31 while burly left-arm spinner Dwayne Leverock claimed three for 26 to go along with the four wickets he bagged last week against University of Trinidad and Tobago.

Bermuda won the toss and elected to bat on a track possessing few demons, but found themselves facing an uphill climb after their top order folded.

Of his team's early collapse, Bermuda manager Lionel Tannock said: "I think we just had a loss of concentration. The pitch was a batsman's strip but our top order didn't do too well.

"The guys looked set but then lost their concentration when the coach (Gus Logie) wants them to go on. He is not looking for guys to score a quick 30 and then think that's it.

"He wants them to score 30 runs and then go on from there and try and bat right through the innings."

Thanks to valuable contributions from the middle order, and some late fireworks from the bats of O'Brien and Romaine, Bermuda were able to post a total that proved too steep for St. Lucia to chase.

"George pushed the run rate up with a couple of big heaves outside the ground while Irving was also in good nick for us today," added Tannock.

West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy claimed two for 43 and Keith Prospere three for 23 to lead the hosts bowling attack. Sammy and Shervin Charles then chipped in with 28 apiece to top the home team's batting before they were eventually dismissed in the 40th over, giving Bermuda their first win in St.Lucia this week.

Yet as pleasing as yesterday's result might have been for the tourists, manager Tannock reckons there still room for improvement.

"The guys were pleased with the victory but there are still a few areas that need to be worked on," he said. "We are still disappointed with Janeiro (Tucker) who is currently in a batting slump and Cann (Lionel) didn't play today as he has an ankle injury."

Tannock further revealed that off-spinner Delyone Borden is currently nursing a injured toe, all-rounder Jacobi Robinson injured his right foot during last Tuesday's 50-run loss to South Castries at BCG while another all-rounder, Justin Pitcher, is experiencing back spasms.

Bermuda are scheduled to play their final tour match in St.Lucia today.