Bermuda’s men’s and women’s teams got off to a promising start on the first day of the annual Bermuda Rugby Ariel Re Sevens Tournament at the National Sports Centre yesterday.

Bermuda women’s team kicked off the tournament in scintillating fashion, beating Rowan University 25-5 in the day’s opening encounter.

They failed to build on the momentum of that victory in their second match as they slipped to a convincing 27-0 defeat at the hands of Humber’s first team, but they regrouped to end the day on a high with an emphatic 37-0 victory over Colgate’s second team.

Meanwhile, Bermuda men’s first and second teams ended the first day of matches with perfect records having won all of the their matches.

The first team enjoyed victories over Columbia I, Loyola and Colegate II, while the second team overcame, Norwich G, Chesapeake II and OSU in their three matches.

A total of 18 teams, 13 men and five women, are taking part tournament which continues all day today with a family fun day including face painting, bouncy castles and games in addition to streaming of the Six Nations games. Entry is completely free.

“We’re elated to be hosting the Bermuda Sevens for the fourth consecutive year,” said Tom Healy, the tournament organiser.

“It’s a great opportunity to blood new players and to assess the eligible players for this year’s Olympic Games qualifier in July.

“We will also see a few new faces take the pitch to represent the women’s team through the newly implemented Women’s Development Academy, which is really positive.

“This will be the biggest tournament in our four-year history.”