Bermuda?s Federation Cup team finished with a flourish when they defeated Panama 2-1 on Thursday to claim fifth place overall in the regional competition in Dominican Republic.

Following 3-0 defeats by Paraguay and the host country, the Island girls came back strongly with Ashley Brooks winning the team?s first singles match, defeating Panama?s Nicole Arosemena in three sets, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.

Brooks then teamed up with Jacklyn Lambert to win the doubles in a tight three setter, 4-6, 6-3, 8-6 over Arosemena and Johanna DeLeon.

In the other singles, Caitlin Gordon went down to DeLeon 3-6, 3-6.

Rugby squad

head for Cayman

Bermuda?s national rugby team are heading to the Cayman Islands next week to compete in the Diamond Law Associate International Series.

Besides the hosts, Bermuda will also play against a Canadian Under-21 side while players from Cayman and Bermuda will join forces to form a Barbarians side.

The series runs from April 28 to May 6 with the first match featuring a Cayman Development XV against Canada?s Under-21 side.

This will be followed on April 30 by Cayman versus Bermuda while on Tuesday, May 2, Canada?s Under-21s play Bermuda.

The Canada-Barbarians match is slated for May 3 with the final match between Cayman and Canada taking place on Saturday, May 6.