Bermuda's preparation for their upcoming World Cup qualifier got a tremendous boost yesterday when they defeated Queen's University 32-10.

But if they expect to be competitive against the United States next month, they are going to have to play hard rugby from the start instead of waiting until the second half.

Queen's never allowed Bermuda to get their attack started in the first half.

They dictated the tempo and made some hard-hitting tackles, dominating both scrums and line outs.

However, Bermuda were first to score after 23 minutes through speedy winger Heath (Butch) Robinson on a move begun on the left by captain Alvin Harvey.

Ten minutes later Queen's got their first three points on a penalty kick from Steve Pettigrew.

After the break, Bermuda appeared more determined. Second row Danny Cozens made the most of his size when he broke through the Queen's defence making it 10-3.

But Bermuda were never allowed to rest on their slim lead. Queen's captain Gareth Pettigrew demonstrated some excellent running when he broke away for their only try that was converted by his brother Steve.

From that point on it was all Bermuda.

Full-back Michael Montgomery was next on the score-sheet for Bermuda after he received a good pass from centre Scott Correia three yards from the Queen's try-line.

Although Montgomery missed the conversion, he was on hand to thwart an assault led by Gareth Pettigrew and Ben Andrew on the next play and gave Bermuda an 18-10 lead when he kicked a penalty after 70 minutes.

Robinson and substitute Sean Kelly each scored a try and Montgomery added two more conversions to complete Bermuda's tally.

Bermuda coach Kieron Peacock said he was generally happy with his team's performance.

"In the first half they put us under a lot of pressure,'' Peacock said.

"Because of that we were unable to put our game plan into action. We have worked hard in practice to compete for 80 minutes, but especially in the last 20 because it is there that a game is won or lost. That's where we started to actually use or game plan. I'm happy. They are a good side and there are plenty of positive things we can build on in this game.'' Gareth Pettigrew, who was in his first year with Queen's when they toured here three years ago, said it was good to play Bermuda's national team despite the loss.

"I think the guys played hard,'' he said. "We were pretty pleased considering that there is a lot of snow back home and we cannot get to practice.

"They are a good side, a bit older and they are also a bit fitter than we were.'' Tomorrow Queen's will take on a second team select while on Thursday they take on the President's XV. Dartmouth beat Harvard 34-9 in the opening exhibition game.

HANDY ANDY -- Andrew Correia of Bermuda emerges from throng of players to pass the ball during yesterday's game. Standing at far right is Danny Cozens.