That is how close the Bermuda cricket team came to a historic win on their debut in the Shell/Sandals tournament yesterday in Guyana.

After dismissing the Windward Islands for 209, Bermuda still had a chance of victory right down to the last ball, before being dismissed for 207.

In the process of doing themselves and their country proud, there were also two historic moments in the Bermuda innings as batsmen Clay Smith and Glenn Smith each scored half-centuries on their debut in the competition.

Clay scored 52 while Glenn scored 54 and it was their dismissal in the space of a few minutes that allowed the Windwards back into the match after the pair had put on 83 for the fourth wicket, taking the score from 70 to 153.

Glenn Smith batted throughout his innings with a runner after injuring a leg while fielding. It was a mix-up between Glenn's runner, captain Albert Steede, and Clay Smith that resulted in the latter's run out.

It proved a turning point as Glenn Smith was out soon after and Janeiro Tucker went in the same over as the score slumped to 165-6.

Former Bermuda captain Arnold Manders kept it close with 23 as Bermuda needed 28 off the last five overs and then seven in the last over when Manders was dismissed on the third ball.

Earlier Manders also took two wickets while the best of the Bermuda bowlers was Roger Blades with four wickets for 30 runs.

Bermuda, who earned praise from the commentators after some outstanding bowling, fielding and batting -- and no doubt plenty of respect in the process -- will play Barbados today in their second match. Full report on Sport, Page 13.