Bermuda's national team will embark on an intensive five-match tour of Canada tomorrow.

Charlie Marshall has been retained as captain while technical advisor Darryl Cullinan, a South Africa Test player, will accompany the team for what is seen as a build-up for the Red Stripe Bowl in October in either Barbados or Antigua.

Matches will be held on five consecutive days starting on Saturday and Sunday when Bermuda play two Canada XIs. On Monday they meet the Canadian Under-23 team, the Toronto District XI next Tuesday and closing the tour next Wednesday against the Toronto Cricket Club. All the matches will be held in Toronto.

"It is intense with a purpose,'' national coach Allan Douglas stated yesterday.

"There is no time for anything else. Darryl has it planned that we will do it just like South Africa do it. If the match starts at 11 a.m., we will be at the field for an hour-and-a-half mini training session.

"Because he's right in the limelight he's able to tell us exactly what is done, right from the top.

"All this is geared towards the Red Stripe and it's time we made a big showing in the Red Stripe, so we're working towards that. Plus 2001 (ICC Tournament) is just around the corner.'' The team has a nice blend of youth and experience, as well as some other players like batsmen Richard Basden, Mark Ray and Aaron Adams who have been given the opportunity to establish themselves.

Basden, a former youth team player, has long ignored invitations to be a part of the national setup, though he has now had a change of heart after approaching this season with new enthusiasm, including the goal of claiming a place in the national team.

Exposure will also be given to the two St. George's Cup Match reserves, Mackie Crane -- a promising Canada games to be a tough test fast bowler -- and talented batsman O.J.Pitcher.

"We're looking to give the youngsters exposure because we don't have much choice,'' said Douglas.

"When Charlie, Dexter (Smith) and Dennis Archer go out you have to have younger people coming through. Mackie Crane is an obvious choice because there aren't that many young quick bowlers. We're starting to groom for 2001.

"We have to make some investments in some players and those two have come through the new youth programme and have represented Bermuda at the youth level already. Hopefully this can show the other young boys that this is a natural progression and hopefully they will say `hey, I can be a part of that, too'.'' Squad: Charlie Marshall (Bailey's Bay, capt), Albert Steede (Western Stars), Clay Smith (St. David's), Dexter Smith (St. George's), Richard Basden (Willow Cuts), Dean Minors (St. George's), Peter Philpott (Cleveland), Lionel Cann (St. David's), Mark Ray (St. George's), Herbie Bascome (St. George's), Aaron Adams (Cleveland), Dennis Archer (Police), Mackie Crane (St. George's), Janeiro Tucker (Southampton), Oliver Pitcher (St. David's). Officials -- Michael Glasford (manager, scorer), Allan Douglas (coach), Darryl Cullinan (technical advisor).

The Canada under-17 team will arrive in Bermuda on the same day as the Bermuda team for their own five-match tour which begins on August 13 against a BCBC Select XI.