It was a frustrating day for Saltus Grammar School on the first day of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Senior Boys Tournament at Ridley College in Ontario on Thursday.

The Bermuda high school champions suffered a 2-0 defeat in their tournament opener against St George’s Vancouver but bounced back with a 1-1 draw against St John’s Ravencourt.

Saltus were left to rue missed chances against No. 2 seeds St George’s Vancouver, who capitalised with a late double salvo to secure the points.

“It was a tight game and they scored two late goals for the win,” John Barry Nusum, the Saltus coach, told The Royal Gazette.

“In the first half we failed to capitalise on a few opportunities which left them in the game. Then in the second half the game became more of a physical battle which they succeeded in winning.”

Nusum’s charges also squandered opportunities against St John’s Ravencourt in their next match, which they led before their opponents hit back to earn a share of the spoils.

Ahri Daniels broke the deadlock early in the first half to put Saltus ahead before their Canadian rivals equalised rat the start of the second half.

“Our team played much better but didn’t finish the chances to take the win,” Nusum added.

Saltus are making their first appearance at the tournament in three years and have travelled with a squad of 17 players aged between 14 and 17. Assisting Nusum are coaches Timmy Figureido and Lynn Emery.