Danté Leverock said it was gratifying to experience that “match-day feeling” again after playing his part in new club Sligo Rovers’ comfortable victory in their opening preseason friendly against Sure Sports FC.

Leverock and his team-mates simply had things all their own way en route to an emphatic 11-0 win at Solar 21 Park on Wednesday.

“It was great to get that match-day feeling again dusting off the cobwebs and getting back into the rhythm,” the Bermuda defender said.

Kris Twardek and Liam Kerrigan each notched hat-tricks apiece to lead the charge, with Ronan Murray and Regan Donelon both adding a brace before Kyle Callan-McFadden struck the final goal to complete the rout.

“It was good to get back into a game situation and put a shape on things,” John Mahon, the Rovers defender, said. “The scoreline didn’t really matter.”

Leverock joined Sligo last month from Estonian outfit Narva Trans after agreeing to the terms of a one-year deal.

“When I spoke to Liam Buckley [the manager], I really couldn’t pass up the chance to come and play for him and this club,” Leverock explained on the move to Ireland.

“He told me of how he wants Rovers to improve and I think he can help me grow as a player. He explained there will be tough competition but that’s something I thrive on and it makes us all better players.”

Leverock is only the second Bermudian behind goalkeeper Freddy Hall, who spent three years at Limerick, to play in the Irish top flight.

“It’s been a smooth transition,” Leverock added.

“It’s been a very tough pre- season but feeling the benefits of the hard work.”

Leverock is looking forward to getting more playing time under his belt when Rovers take on Galway United in another friendly at Solar 21 Park tomorrow.

“I’m looking forward to the remaining preseason games and starting the season strongly,” he added.

Rovers will face a stern test in their SSC Airtricity League opener away to champions Dundalk at Oriel Park on February 15, but it is a challenge that Leverock is up for.

“We have a tough start to the season, but looking forward to the test,” he said.

Rovers will host St Patrick’s Athletic a week later in their season home opener on February 22 at The Showgrounds.