Bermuda's Rugby Americas North Sevens campaign got off to a disappointing start with a 19-7 defeat against Barbados in Trinidad & Tobago yesterday.

Four tries were scored during the match at the Larry Gomes Stadium, with Barbados crossing the line three times while Bermuda managed one.

Despite the result, Bermuda captain Hadleigh Tucker believed there were positives to take from the performance, particularly as the team had not played together since August last year.

“The team took a lot away from today’s game,” Tucker told The Royal Gazette. “Having not played sevens as a unit, we knew this first game would be important to work on some issues.

“It is always disappointing not to get the result we want, but we felt good in certain areas and will build through the tournament. The boys love the game, and we are looking forward to the rest of the weekend.”

Bermuda dominated possession for much of the first half, but it was Barbados who went into the break with a 5-0 lead. Jeremy Nelson used his pace to score an unconverted try on the outside.

Barbados extended their advantage early in the second half when Jaden Howell outpaced Tucker to score the first of his two converted tries.

Bermuda’s only points came through Tucker. A well-executed build-up saw Bermuda recycle the ball effectively from a ruck, with Rory O’Kelly-Lynch providing the final pass for the captain to go over under the posts. Tucker added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 12-7.

However, Barbados sealed the victory late on when Mikyle Walcott’s offload released Howell, who raced through to plant the ball over the line for his second try.

Today, Bermuda will face Canada and Guyana as they look to improve their fortunes. They remain without former captain Tashon DeSilva, whose arrival from London has been delayed after a security incident caused flight disruptions at Gatwick airport.

Bermuda go into the second day third in their four-team pool, with Canada defeating Guyana 29-0 in the other opening-day match.