Steven Simons and –Sullivan Phillips have –expressed their delight at being a part of the first team in the history of the Island Games to repeat as men’s basketball champions –following their triumph over Saaremaa to take the gold medal.Having previously won gold at the 2009 Games in Aland with a win over then defending champions Menorca, Bermuda’s team left local shores confident they could put up another good performance in the Isle of Wight.But in group play they lost to Saaremaa early on in the competition before –getting their revenge in the final.“Winning gold and –becoming the first team in the event’s history to –successfully defend their title has been a goal of ours since we won in 2009,” said Simons.“This year’s tournament was a bit strange as many of the usual top seeds lost games they were expected to win, including ourselves who lost to Saaremaa in our second game.”Admitting the loss to a virtually unknown side was one of many talking points in the tournament, Simons said that defeat had spurred the team on.“That was a major turning point for us and really re-focused and motivated us to push on and play better,” he said.“Winning the gold was –extremely satisfying considering the amount of effort and hard work the players and coaching staff have put in.“It feels great to know that we will be defending champions when the event is hosted here –(in Bermuda) in 2013 and we will be looking for gold once again.”On their way to the championship, Bermuda beat Gibraltar in their –semi-final clash.Another plus for the team was that Phillips was voted Most Valuable Player of the Games.While acknowledging the satisfaction and pride he took from being named MVP, the foreign-based player heaped praise on the team as a whole.“Truthfully, to win back to back and be the first team to do it feels amazing,” said Phillips.“We added four and five guys to the team and that can be interesting but to win again was and is –phenomenal.“The Most Valuable –Player award for me is a great honour, but in no way, shape, or form would I give myself all the credit.“My team-mates were –fantastic and put me in great situations to be able to lead most effectively.”