Bermudians expect to be given tough matches

GUS LOGIE has said that Bermuda will not take Guernsey lightly when they tour here next week. The former West Indian test star was appointed as coach in April 2005 and after a successful ICC Trophy in Ireland a couple of months later, they qualified for the 2007 World Cup.

Before going to Ireland, the Bermudians defeated Guernsey by six wickets in a warm-up match in Eastbourne.

Next weekend, Bermuda make their first visit to the island and then move to the UK in preparation for their World Cup adventure in the Caribbean next March.

Guernsey will face them at the KGV in two 50-over clashes.

'I expect all the games to be competitive and last time we played Guernsey they certainly gave a good account of themselves and did not make it easy for us,' said Logie.

'They are playing at home this time as well so their familiarity with the conditions will work in their favour.'

Logie and his team have just returned home from the ICC Tri-Series in the Caribbean where they took on Canada and Zimbabwe.

After reaching the final, Bermuda lost to Test side Zimbabwe by 83 runs.

Logie has had some injury headaches prior to bringing his team across the Atlantic.

Captain and the team's best player, top-order batsman Clay Smith, is still out with a long-term knee injury and will not play here.

Stand-in captain Janeiro Tucker also picked up such an injury during the Tri-Series and looks doubtful for the trip. Tucker led Bermuda when they played the Sarnians last year.

Opener Kwame Tucker is also doubtful with a groin strain and all-rounder Lionel Cann will be a no-show due to work commitments.

Another Bermudian player who will not be featuring is the Hamilton-born David Hemp. The 35-year-old left-handed opener earns his crust turning out for Glamorgan and has amassed 12,257 first-class runs since making his debut in 1991. His commitment to his county limits his appearances for Bermuda.

Guernsey Cricket Board president Dave Piesing believes whatever side Bermuda bring over, they will be dangerous.

'Bermuda generally seem to have a squad of around 20 players travelling all around the world for games at the moment in preparation for the World Cup,' said Piesing.

'Whoever they send, they will be very competitive and all of their players have a potential World Cup opportunity ahead of them, so they've got a lot to play for. They're obviously taking us seriously as well, which is encouraging and reinforces the fact that we made a decent impression against them in Sussex last year.'