Kimale Evans, the Bermuda Netball Association president, says she is proud of the island’s performances so far at the Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Tournament in Antigua and Barbuda.

Bermuda’s team is predominantly made up of players under the age 16 who have impressed Evans with their never-say-die attitude and their impeccable behaviour on and off the court.

“Our young ladies are receiving compliments and accolades based on their play and their deportment,” Evans said. “Most of all, [they have been complimented on] being one of the best teams they have seen here as far as sportsmanship is concerned.

“Their spirits are really high and they’re enjoying what this tournament is, trying to develop the holistic netballer and building friendships and foster friendships for the long term.

“This team is fairly young as in past years we’ve had teams that are collectively older. We have three players on this team who are 13 and others who are 14 and 15. I believe there are only four girls within this team that will be too old [for next year’s under-16 tournament]. Giving them the exposure for a tournament as such will only bode well for the future.

“They will return home with an understanding of what the expectation is and what is required to play at this level.”

Bermuda edged Grenada 24-23 in their opening match on Saturday before losing 35-15 against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday and 41-11 against Barbados yesterday in make-up match, which had been scheduled to be played last Friday but was rained out. The island’s team were scheduled to play Saint Lucia last night and will face Antigua and Barbuda today.

“Their performances so far have been OK,” Evans added.

“Despite the scorelines [against Trinidad and Barbados] they continued to play and never gave up.

“For me, that shows promise and success and we just ask that Bermuda gets behind us and supports us as we continue to do our best.”