Bermuda 0 Mexico 7 Ladies hockey coach Dai Hermann-Smith paid tribute to the never-say-die attitude of his team after they tumbled to a heavy defeat against a very strong Mexico side in their second game of the CAC Games tournament in Caracas.

Hermann-Smith said: "There's a certain amount of disappointment among the players, obviously, but the reality is it could have been a lot worse if they had given up.

"But they didn't and that's the nature of this team. They still go and attack even when they're seven down. The attitude is so good, their heads never go down. To that extent, it's a reflection of our new style.'' It was the second game in 24 hours for the predominantly young side -- and played in a temperature of 95 degrees.

Bermuda, in fact, opened brightly against their much more experienced opponents, controlling the first five minutes and forcing the first short corner of the game.

But, slightly against the run of play, Mexico struck twice in three minutes through Rosalba Del Rosario (10th minute) and Edith Ramirez (13th).

However, inspired by Samantha Adams' promptings from inside left and the vocal encouragement of Chrisanthi Bartley up front, Bermuda refused to lie down.

And just two minutes into the second half Caroline Black created an opportunity but saw her shot well saved. Six minutes later, a well-worked short corner between Black and Megan Spurling was also repelled by the Mexican defence.

But it was Mexico who scored again, a speculative shot from the top of the circle by Ramirez beating Alex Lewis in the Bermuda goal in the 45th minute.

Within four minutes, the Mexicans had made it 4-0 through Lelicia Sanchez.

Then, in the last five minutes, Bermuda suffered for their attacking attitude as the Mexicans ran in three more, with Ramirez completing her hat-trick and Yessica Zepeda and Yessica Guadarrama also netting.

However, Hermann-Smith refused to claim the scoreline flattered their opponents. "I would say it was a just reflection of the total game. They are very fit, have played together for a long time and it really showed.'' Bermuda were also forced to select from a weakened squad, regular starters Sarah Northcott and Kirsten Butterworth having picked up injuries.

Both are expected to be fit to take part in the team's two games over the weekend against Jamaica and Barbados respectively.

Yesterday the team had a mid-day training session as they prepared to go in search of their first point of the tournament.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT -- Ladies hockey coach Dai Hermann-Smith (right) was full of praise for his team despite their 7-0 CAC Games drubbing at the hands of Mexico.

HOCKEY HOC