Bermuda's first-ever Davis Cup squad returns home empty handed today, but team officials were able to find a silver lining despite losing all of their matches in the Dominican Republic.

David Lambert, coach of the team, revealed yesterday that the Island has launched a bid to host the Davis Cup in 1996.

The local side, made up of Billy and Michael Way, Donald Evans and Steve Bean lost all four round-robin matches 3-0, continuing the trend with losses against Costa Rica on Saturday and the Dominican Republic yesterday.

It was a rough ride for Bermuda, the only nation in American Zone III, Group A unable to record at least one victory.

On a positive note, however, Evans won one set in three of his matches during the round robin, although he was thrashed 6-0, 6-1 by Genaro De Leon of the Dominican Republic yesterday. On Saturday, Evans put up a brave front against Fabrizio Golfin of Puerto Rico, winning the first set 7-6 (7-5) before losing the last two 6-3, 6-4 in a tense two-and-a-half hour battle as temperatures soared past 90 degrees.

Michael Way finally won his first set yesterday, stopping Hiram Silfa 7-6 (7-6) in the first set, but dropped the final two 6-4, 6-1. He came close to winning the second set, leading 4-2 before succumbing to fatigue.

In doubles action yesterday, De Leon and Silfa beat Evans and Billy Way 6-2, 6-4.

Michael Way lost to Kenneth Thome of Costa Rica on Saturday 6-2, 6-1 while Evans and Billy Way were defeated in doubles action in straight sets 6-4, 6-3 to Rafael Brenes and Thome.

Evans subbed for Bean in the last two doubles matches of the tournament as captain Allan Simmons searched for a victory which proved to be elusive.

"It was a great experience for us,'' said Simmons last night. "We just realised our game is sort of at the level of the other players, but I think fitness was a factor. These fellows we played against were so fit.

"Another factor was the noise... there were so many matches going on at the same time and people were yelling and stomping on the metal benches all the time.'' Simmons and Lambert said planning would begin soon for next year with a number of exhibition matches planned.

Lambert also anticipated a visit from International Tennis Federation officials, who will evaluate the Island's tennis facilities after Bermuda made an official application to host the Davis Cup in 1996.

Said Simmons: "I think all of the players have done their part, they all wanted to do their best for Bermuda.'' Lambert said the team showed fighting spirit throughout the tournament.

"We have realised what was obvious, that the players are good but they just have to play at that level on a more regular basis. We have to set up exhibition matches under a Cup format and some of the countries we played against are willing to come to Bermuda.

"All these guys have given all they had for the country,'' he added. "We're very proud of them. They feel good about their effort and if you were to talk to them they'd tell you they played their best.'' Puerto Rico, winners of all four of their matches, advance to to Group II for 1996. Dominican Republic were 3-1, Costa Rica 2-2 and Eastern Caribbean were 1-3.

Bermuda will stay in Group III during competition next year.

Billy Way