with the arrival of overseas team Crusaders today for four matches on Saturday and Sunday.

The tour arranged between local side Netts and the New York-based Crusaders sees the visitors playing twice on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday's first game pits Crusaders -- made up of predominantly West Indians -- against their hosts at 12.30 p.m and then returning to meet AICO at 3 p.m.

On Sunday they tackle Second Division and First Division select sides.

Netts' spokeswoman Jean Charles said that while unaware of the standard Crusaders will bring to the Island, everyone was hopeful of a suitable exhibition for spectators.

"They brought the game to the United States and plan on coming here to give us a good tournament,'' said Charles. "They don't know our calibre and we don't know theirs.'' One thing for certain is that Netts will provide a stern test and give a barometer for all other matches.

Last year Netts swept all local titles, including the League and Knock-Out Cup in both divisions. They are in contention for a repeat performance this year although AICO have shown themselves to be worthy challengers.

"We play the sport as a team, not individuals'' said Charles. "Our style is very attacking, but when we defend, everybody defends and it is the same when we attack.

"Our pace is moderate using a criss-cross, diagonal passing game.'' It was Netts' mastery of local competition which aroused the interest of Crusaders, who contacted a local netball official about the possibility of their hosting a tour. There is also a planned return visit by Netts, possibly in July.

On Sunday the experienced duo of Tracy Sharieff and Rhonda Rawlins will lead a First Division Select. Sharieff, a defender, and utility player Rawlins both have prior experience playing with the national team. The former will want to use her height to thwart attackers while the latter can be found occupying either a mid-court or defensive position.

On attack Bermuda will look to Alexandria Dowling, Rose Richardson and Kelly Trott for scoring.

This will also give selectors a chance to see how the team performs as a unit, especially with the Caribbean Championships coming up in Montserrat in August.

Schedule for weekend matches at Bernard Park (all matches on eastern side courts with parking allotted on the western side): Saturday: Crusaders v Netts (12.30 p.m.); Olympic Panthers v PCC (First Division make-up match, 1.45 p.m.); Crusaders v AICO (3 p.m.).

Sunday: Crusaders v Second Division Select (10 a.m.); Olympic Panthers v PCC (Second Division KO, 11.15 a.m.); Crusaders v First Division Select (12.15).