---

Bermuda batsman Stephen Outerbridge has targeted at least two centuries in the Americas Championship to cap off a breakthrough year on the international stage.

The classy left-hander, who hit his first hundred for Bermuda against Scotland in July admitted he had more responsibility now as one of the most experienced players in a young squad.

And he said he had set himself a personal goal of 300 runs and five wickets for the five-game tournament, which started yesterday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The 26-year-old got of to a decent start with 39 before being run out against Cayman.

But he would like to save his best for the crucial games against USA on Thursday and Canada on Sunday.

"I'd like to get a big score in one of those games but realistically you have to take the runs when they come. You can't decide who you score against.

"We can't just focus it all on Canada. The U.S. has home advantage and Argentina has improved every time we've played against them.

"It's up for grabs. We have to play every game as if we're up against Canada.

"We've been playing together consistently for the past few years and hopefully that experience will help us win the tournament."

Outerbridge, who is in his final year at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff - one of six centres of excellence for cricket in the U.K., said it was important for him to make a big contribution with the bat on this tour.

"I would say 300 runs through the whole tournament and five wickets would be a personal goal for me. I'd be happy with that."

Outerbridge said he had been pleased with his performances so far this year. He followed his 113 against Scotland with 78 against Namibia and was last week awarded First Division MVP award for his performances for Bailey's Bay in the summer.

Breakthrough year

"I'd like to think it's been a breakthrough year for me but I'd still like a few more runs. Two more centuries and I'll say it's been a good year," he added.

He hopes to kick-on from his fine displays for Bermuda and make a big enough impression in University cricket to go professional when he graduates in the summer.

"There's been some talk about me going professional for a year or two and we'll see what happens in the summer.

"Next year is going to be a big year. We've got some matches against county opposition early in the season and I'd like to go on trial somewhere and take it from there."

At the moment he's concentrating on completing his final year and working towards qualifying as a physio.

The UWIC squad, which also included fast bowler Stefan Kelly and wicket-keeper Jekon Edness, is in pre-season training, working on fitness and in the nets with a bowling machine.

Yesterday's match against Cayman was Outerbridge's first since playing the last game of the season for Bay against PHC.

"I still feel in pretty good touch," he insisted.

"It's just a case of transforming it to game situations."[[In-content Ad]]

---