Bermuda 18 Barbados 5Defending champions Bermuda won their opening match of the NACRA Under-19 tournament with a comfortable victory over Barbados in Cayman Island on Monday night.An opening drive from the pack led to a quick three point penalty from Tristan Kermode, which he repeated again five minutes later making it 6-0.Bermuda’s confidence continued to grow during the first half; the forward pack consistently making ground with driving mauls and providing clean ball for the backline.However, it wasn’t until the final minute of the half before the scoreboard moved again. Another solid scrum allowed fly-half David Lunn to send Scott Heaney on a searing break from 40 yards out.Heaney was stopped just short of the line, and the scrambling Bajan defence had little option but to concede a penalty as they attempted to stop a quick ruck ball.Bermuda captain, Nick Chilvers, chose to take a tap penalty and powered over for the team’s first try of the tournament. Kermode’s steady boot added the extras and Bermuda moved into a 13-0 lead at the half.Immediately following the break, Heaney intercepted a wayward pass before hoofing the ball down field and tackling the opposition’s full-back. Again, Barbados had little option but to illegally attempt to retain possession, and yet again, Bermuda chose to take a quick tap instead of going for the three points.The ball found its way to outside center, and vice-captain Tom Basset, who touched down in the corner for Bermuda’s final points of the night.Barbados fought hard to disrupt every aspect of Bermuda’s game plan for the remainder of the second period, and their relentless pursuit eventually paid off when they crashed over from short range. Bermuda take on hosts Cayman Islands today.Head coach, James Adderley said, “We will have to beat a well-drilled Cayman team on Wednesday night to advance to Saturday’s final against either Trinidad & Tobago or Mexico. The other coaches and I were very happy with the team effort displayed giving Barbados little good ball to work with.Team manager, Peter Clark added: “The team played a great first half of well executed rugby, leading 13 - 0 at the half before weathering the spirited storm of Barbados to win the match 18-5.”