Bermuda XV 13

The Willing 20

A misfiring line-out and a dubious refereeing decision ultimately cost Bermuda the chance of victory in the exhibition game that opened this year's World Rugby Classic.

Several times in the first half Bermuda had good possession inside the visiting team's 22, and yet failed to make the most of it with a poor throw or inability to catch striking at the most inopportune moments.

Even so, two Eogahn O'Dwyer penalties had given Bermuda a deserved a lead against a Willing team that could not break down a stubborn defence, and even when The Willing got clear, the last pass invariably went to ground, or the ball was spilled forward.

It was even knocked on in the build-up to the game's first try, but referee Ben Jewitt missed the crucial moment and Jason Williams eventually rounded off a move for The Willing that should have come to a halt in its infancy.

Dave Chedgy's penalty put the visiting team 7-6 up, and that is how it should have stayed until the break, but Bobby Hurdle's indiscipline put Bermuda under pressure in their own half, and they conceded another penalty in front of the posts to go in 10-6 down.

It took the visiting team just four minutes into the second half to extend their lead with Williams grabbing a second try, diving over from the base of a ruck as Willing laid seige to the Bermuda line.

And Charlie Perry should have extended the English side's lead moments later, but with an overlap, and full back Mo Middleton steaming down the wing, Perry cut inside and was enveloped by Bermuda defenders.

Sensing the chance to put the game beyond Bermuda for good, Willing attacked with venom and Alan Thomas had to make a last ditch tackle to keep his side in the game.

With time running out, Bermuda's frustration at their own poor performance finally got the better of fly half Ian Henderson, who was sin-binned for a high tackle that nearly took Dave Classen's head off, and when Chedgy added another penalty to make it 20-6 the game looked all but over.

However, being a man down seemed to galvanise the home team, and Thomas finished off a fine move under the posts to give them a glimmer of hope.

They might even have snatched a draw, but with the line beckoning, and men outside him, Steve Husbands opted to put his head down and run into trouble, and a last chance was gone.