NORTHAMPTON -- Cricket's favourite combination of runs and sun kept a small crowd entertained throughout a long first day of competition on Bermuda's tour of England.

Sadly, the tourists rarely looked like scoring rapidly enough to regain their grip of the match against Northants 2nd XI.

After taking control early with some tight bowling and lively fielding, Wendell Smith's side let things slip and were left chasing more than five runs an over.

Even then it would have been rash to write them off, but key wickets tumbled as risks were taken.

On more than one occasion during a grey morning at the County Ground, the hosts threatened a run feast after being restricted in the early stages, but Bermuda battled back to take the initiative.

First, Smith swooped as Russell Warren attempted a quick single. Dean Minors completed the run-out to end an opening partnership worth 55.

Mal Loye, who hit 51 for England against Bermuda in last year's International Youth Tournament, looked set to repeat the feat before an inspired bowling change brought his downfall.

Pacer Anthony Edwards, who enjoyed little success in his first spell from the football ground end, struck with his second ball from the pavilion end, removing Loye's middle and off stumps when the teenage star was on 35.

Simon Green lasted just four balls before edging Edwards to Minors but Tony Penberthy ensured that Bermuda's joy would be short-lived.

Supported by veteran Richard Williams, who aggravated a hamstring injury on 21, and skipper Wayne Noon, who contributed a lively 25, Penberthy displayed a blend of patience and flair in his match-winning knock.

His century came off 99 balls in 136 minutes and included three sixes and five fours. He came in with the first wicket down and had taken the total to 252 when he was sixth out. Penberthy mistimed an attempt to hit Terry Burgess out of the ground and instead fell victim for 104 to Minors, who had time to race to short third man and collect the catch.

The bowlers took the total to 290 for seven from 55 overs but then seemed determined to close the gap themselves when Bermuda batted.

Tim Walton gave five wides in his first over and four more in the next two before he made way for Kevin Innes, a 16-year-old who is back at school for exams today and who therefore could not afford to stay up late waiting for Walton to complete 11 overs.

An injury to Ricky Hill, who punctured the skin of a toe when Smith stepped on his right foot, did nothing to slow the opener and he raced into double figures.

But the rot set in as wickets fell when the side needed someone to steady the ship. Smith, the obvious candidate for anchorman, had made only five of 40 when he edged Mark Bowen to Noon.

Hill, who provided strokes to match the glorious afternoon sun, was deceived by a slower ball from Innes and drove straight to substitute fielder Bob Carter at mid-off and Noel Gibbons holed out to Warren as he attempted to bring up the hundred by swatting Roberts to the boundary.

Arnold Manders produced some fine shots but the mounting run rate called for drastic action. In throwing caution to the wind, Manders lofted Roberts straight to Loye at long-on and was out for 34 with the score on 132.

Bermuda saved the best till last and Charlie Marshall smashed a huge six in his innings of 55, the half-century coming from 68 balls. Clevie Wade kept him company with 28 but their efforts amounted to little more than late entertainment for the diehards as Bermuda's innings closed on 208 for four.

CHARLIE MARSHALL -- In outstanding form.