the Caribbean Netball Championships to be held on the picturesque Leeward Island of Montserrat.

Currently the team is enduring intense training at Bernard Park under the watchful gaze of coaches Braxton Stowe and Herman Eve in preparation for the venture.

The Island last sent a team to the competition in 1986, when the hosts were St. Lucia, with Bermuda placing seventh out of 10 countries.

A relatively young and inexperienced team will be the Island's representatives, but tour coordinator and former Bermuda captain June Dill emphasised that the purpose was to allow players the opportunity to gain much needed exposure on the international front.

"For many it will be their first time at an international competition,'' said Dill, a member of the side that placed 10th at the 1987 World Championships in Scotland. "Right now we're trying to get them ready for what they'll be faced with (at the tournament).

"All we expect is that they do their best ... we can't ask for more than that.

"One thing I find is that these girls really get along and help one another.

And what is certainly needed with any team is harmony.

"But the big thing is that they are getting the chance to represent their country. It's something they really want to do.'' Nine teams are slated to take part in the tournament on the eastern Caribbean island, which starts August 8 and runs through August 17. Powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago enter as firm favourites to lift the crown, but the rest of the competition should be wide open.

Others involved along with Bermuda and the host country are Antigua/Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Vincent/Granadines and St. Lucia.

This year will mark the fifth time Bermuda has entered the tournament it hosted in 1983.

One player, shooter Deborah DeShields, remains from the side that toured Scotland as the local programme embarks on a rebuilding phase.

Another notable in the squad is Rose Richardson, who plays on the club level for PCC also as a shooter, and along with DeShields will carry the scoring burden.

Charged with keeping the opponents at bay is defender Bismallah Sharrieff, while the versatile Nicole DeGraff may also find herself assisting in that department.

"This team is very balanced,'' added Dill. "When you look at the shooters and the defence it is well rounded and balanced.'' Umpire Deborah Saltus will also accompany the team as each participating country is required to supply an umpire.

Squad: Bismallah Sharrieff (PCC), Sherita Steede (Coca Cola), Nicole DeGraff (North Village), Chenita Zuill (Boulevard), Tina Caines (Coca Cola), Dion Butterfield (Hamilton Parish), Pettie Tucker (AICO), Patricia Pitcher (Panthers), Rose Richardson (PCC), Deborah DeShields (AICO), Braxton Stowe (coach) Herman Eve (coach), Deborah Saltus (umpire).