Bermuda displayed some brute force to get their campaign at the Rugby Americas North Men’s Under-19 tournament in Querétaro, Mexico, off to a brilliant start with a 17-10 victory over the home team.

Chris Naylor’s side carried a 10-3 lead going into the break, after Dante Noel-Simmons scored a try. Captain Brandon Sangster booted a conversion and a penalty goal.

Mexico fought back hard to close the gap in the second half, as they scored a converted try to level the scores.

First centre Thomas MacLoughlin ensured the Bermudians got the win when he planted the ball over the whitewash right at the end. Sangster added the extras with a successful conversion.

“I’m very happy with the good start for us against a strong host nation,” Naylor said.

“I was pleased with the win because it puts us in a good position, it’s a good way to start of the tournament.

“What pleased me the most was seeing two of our youngsters, both 16-year-olds getting over the try-line on debut.

“We also had good leadership from the senior boys, Brendan, Malachi [Paynter], and it was good to see Kwame Naylor back fit and making some big hits.

“Overall, we’re happy with the start, but we can’t take things lightly. Trinidad & Tobago were heavily beaten by USA South who look very strong, but Trinidad are always fast and evasive, we’ll have to prepare for them and not take them likely.”

Bermuda finished the opening day of the tournament with a perfect record after defeating Trinidad & Tobago 14-11. Sangster was the hero once again with a last-minute try to win it for his team.

On Thursday, Naylor’s side face a tough assignment against USA South, before they clash with Cayman Islands in their last round-robin match.

The Bermuda juniors, who finished third last year in Jamaica, are targeting a top-two spot this time around.