Hard work, dedication and harmony have paid off for Bermuda’s netball team at this year’s Jean Pierre Regional Under-16 tournament in Barbados.

Bermuda were firmly on course for their best ever showing at the tournament heading into their final fixture against Dominica yesterday, having already toppled the likes of Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda and St Lucia.

“These were considered as upsets and I am extremely proud of the team,” Kimale Evans, the Bermuda coach, said.

Bermuda hit the ground running after brushing aside Trinidad & Tobago 24-13 in their opening match, and then gathered further momentum after edging St Lucia 31-29 in an evenly fought contest in their second outing at the tournament.

Bermuda were denied a third straight victory after suffering a 39-13 loss against hosts Barbados, which was followed by equally heavy losses against Grenada (34-19) and Jamaica (39-9).

The team eventually got back to winning ways after dishing out some heavy punishment of their own in an emphatic 39-13 triumph over Antigua & Barbuda.

“The key to success has been hard work, dedication and cohesiveness,” Evans said. “We are on course for our best showing of this event and any other for that matter.”

Evans said playing in such tournaments helps Bermuda’s players broaden their horizons.

“It opens their eyes because what we play here in Bermuda is minor in comparison to on the world stage,” she said. “It gives them a better understanding of where netball is on a worldwide scale.

“Bermuda is a bit behind the times and we are doing our best within the Bermuda Netball Association to raise the level of play for all the clubs.

So, to actually participate in it makes them realise that they have to work that much harder in order to compete with these teams and it gives them something to strive for.”

Of the 12 players chosen to represent the island in Barbados this week, five are making their tournament debuts while seven are surviving members of last year’s squad, that came third in the developmental category at the annual regional tournament.

Bermuda are being led by new captain Zariah Amory. At the previous tournament Amory served as vice-captain to Amali Smith who has aged out.