it could not prevent Western Stars from losing by two runs to Atlantis Cricket Club in the opening match of their two match tour of New York.

Stars also lost their second encounter yesterday, again at Eisenhower Park, when they went down one wicket to Villages who put on 29 for the last wicket.

Scores: Saturday -- Atlantis 227-7 (40 overs), Western Stars 225-6 (40 overs).

Sunday -- Western Stars 214-3 (40 overs), Villages 217-9 (39.3 overs).

On Saturday, Atlantis batted first and were led by Desmond Thompson's 55 from four sixes and three fours while N.Harper scored 47, H.Newton 43, Sylvester Albert 38 not out. Dwayne Leverock claimed three for 31, captain Andre Manders two for 36 for Stars.

Supporting Smith's ton was Hasan Durham with 24 and Manders with 23. Herbert Carrington claimed three for 43.

Yesterday, Stars lost another close match as they failed to defend 214-3 which was boosted by Dwayne Leverock's 59 not out, Anthony Foggo's 48, 46 from Andre Manders and 36 from Dexter Smith.

Villages hung on to win by one wicket with three deliveries remaining, having lost their ninth wicket on 188 with five overs still to go. Captain Keith Sang led the way for the home team with 76 not out while Austin Hutchinson scored 36.

Local umpire Randy Butler led the Stars bowling with three for 43 from eight overs.