connection of Robert Vallis and Jack White were there to shovel through the debris, positioning themselves well for the final stretch.

With second round co-leaders Peter Cook Sr. and Jr. making the Mid Ocean Club course appear more a minefield, than a lush, scenic outlay in stumbling to a 73, and Ray Daue and John Markotic registering their second straight 67, Vallis and White took full advantage.

The local physician and his Floridian partner, while not the best on the day, were good enough, the 64 they managed to compile affording them a three-round total of 192 and a one-stroke lead as they moved up from seventh.

Meanwhile, Kirk Kitson and Tony Lee, another Bermuda/US tandem, went forward two spots from fourth on the tails of a 63, which gave them a 54-hole total of 193.

Daue and Markotic sit in striking range at 194, however the Cooks appear all but out of the race as they fell all the way to 12th, and -- more importantly -- eight strokes off the pace.

Vallis and White also lead the gross category at 207, followed by Dan Siegel and Michael Dunkley (212) and the team of George Hutchings and Mark Montegelas (217).

SOCCER COACHES GO DUTCH SOC Soccer coaches go Dutch Premier Division coaches were among 50 who attended an innovative course aimed at improving footballing techniques among Bermuda's players.

The day-long course on Coerver football was held at Saltus School and also involved coaches from the Youth Division, Commercial League, Womens' League, schools and Pee Wee teams.

Introduced by top Dutch coach Wiel Coerver, the clinic teaches players how to develop their individual attributes.

The method has been endorsed by many famous international players and coaches including Franz Beckenbauer and Karl Heinz Rummennigge of West Germany, Peter Beardsley of Newcastle and England, Roberto Rivelino of Brazil and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United.

Bermuda Football Association coaching committee chairman, Jon Beard said: "All agreed that it was a day well spent as they were shown drills and practices that can be used, to different degrees, by any teams.

"The enthusiasm and effort of the coaches was remarked upon by the visiting Coerver coaches, Brett Mosen, director for Tennessee, and Martin Dell, director for Virginia.

"Both were very impressed and hope to be invited back to work with the coaches and the players.'' Beard said both coaches also attended the final Under-17 World Cup qualifying game between Bermuda and Jamaica at National Sports Centre last Friday and were impressed by what they saw.

"Also in attendance was United States Soccer Federation staff coach, Peter Mellor, who had similar favourable comments about Bermuda's performances,'' he said.