Clay Smith saw some positives in yesterday’s performances against Canada, but admits losing the toss and being sent in on a damp wicket was a key factor in his side’s defeat.

Both coach Smith and Ingleton Liburd, the Canada manager, expressed relief afterwards that the teams were able to get in a match after rainy conditions all day, including a third heavy shower during the break, threatened to end the match early.

“We’re definitely happy that the weather held up, after the rain this morning we thought the game wouldn’t be played,” Liburd said as his team closed in on a four-wicket victory at the National Sports Centre with the light fading.

“The pitch was a bit soft so it was important to win the toss this morning, we knew from the start that we were going to send them in.

“It was a difficult pitch so the score that Bermuda got was not a reflection on the team. Even Canada struggled a bit to get the runs as the pitch was slow and jumpy. We’re looking to two better matches with some sunshine over the next couple of days.”

Canada, who only brought five players from the team that went to Los Angeles last week where they played the United States for the Auty Cup, opted to give some youngsters some exposure on the trip, including left-arm seamer, Rishir Joshi, who is just 15. He was their top bowler with three wickets yesterday.

“This team is a high performance team and the reason we brought in three youngsters is we’re looking at preparation for the under-19 tournament and also looking towards the future,” Liburd said.

“Joshi played today but over the next couple of days all of them will get a chance. Bhavindu Adhihetty made his debut for Canada last week in the Auty Cup while Faisal Jamkhandi played for the under-17s and this is his first time with the seniors.

“We’re preparing for Division Three next year so we’re looking to give as many players as possible exposure. We’re enjoying ourselves, we went to do the breast cancer walk yesterday but the rain came down and we didn’t get to do it as a team. We are enjoying Bermuda and tomorrow we have off and will practice and do some sightseeing.”

Bermuda will look to bounce back in tomorrow’s second match at the stadium, no doubt hoping to improve on the batting where Dean Minors’ showed his experience with his top score of 28.

“I’m just glad that we were able to get a workout in a game situation, we’ve been doing a lot of practicing in the nets and indoors, but it’s a whole different thing when you get out into the middle,” Smith said.

“The wicket was a little wet earlier, then overcast pretty much all day, so the conditions weren’t conducive for cricket, but we were able to get a workout in. The players can still take a lot from it which is the main thing.

“It was definitely a good toss to win today, we didn’t win it, but that how it goes, you still have to battle.”

Smith singled out veteran Minors and youngster Cejay Outerbridge for their performances, Minors also taking three catches and a stumping as Outerbridge picked up the first four wickets.

“Dean had an outstanding day with the bat and also behind the stumps, he led from the front in using his experience,” Smith said. “He showed on a track where most of the guys were pretty much looking to survive with the spinners turning it big, when he went out there with a positive frame of mind and took them on.

“That made the difference and we can learn something from his approach. Young Cejay bowled phenomenally, the wicket was assisting bowlers and he was able to get the ball in the right areas and come away with four wickets which was commendable.

“Obviously we’ll look to improve on Sunday, maybe make one change with Jordan [DeSilva] coming in and then a few for Monday to freshen up. We don’t want to overexert some of our key players before we go to LA.”