Tailenders steer youth team to unlikely win Toronto & District under-16s 147-8
An incredible unbroken 10th wicket stand of 62 between Jim West and Mackie Crane led Bermuda to a stunning victory in the opening game of their youth team tour to Canada.
Number nine West and number 11 Crane came together with Bermuda almost dead and buried at 85-9 in the 45 overs-a-side game in G Ross Lord Park in Toronto.
But the pair showed immense fighting spirit to steer their side past their opponents' total with 3.4 overs to spare.
West remained undefeated on 27 and Crane unbeaten on 20.
A delighted manager Randy Horton said afterwards: "When they came together it was going to be tough, but once they settled down they never looked like getting out.
"It was very tense and in the end it was a great game. But what I think the guys learned most was that no matter what the score is, you've still got a chance.'' He added: "I was particularly pleased with the attitude of the players. They didn't question any decisions and were very well behaved.'' Only three other Bermuda batsmen reached double figures -- opener Chris Foggo, who hit an important 23, Kamen Tucker who scored 15 and Steven Outerbridge who made 12.
Earlier, Philip Thomas had starred with the ball for Bermuda, taking 5-38 in his nine overs. Crane picked up one victim, but was accurate enough to concede just 18 from his spell. Dion Stovell and Nasir Wade were the other wicket takers.
The victory will no doubt be a huge boost for the side as they head into a week of four one-day matches against Canada's under-16 team. The two teams will meet today and tomorrow and again on Thursday and Friday in games also restricted to 45 overs each.