Bermuda's memorable cricket win over Barbados brought a smile to the lips of one man in particular ? outgoing national coach Mark Harper.

In his eyes, the six-run triumph over the Caribbean powerhouse is a well-deserved reward for a consistent campaign to improve the Island's results at national level. For it to come on the eve of his departure after a three-year contract here is very heartening.

"It's a great victory; a special occasion for Bermuda's cricket. It's no mean feat to achieve such an outstanding result against an outstanding team, especially following on the heels of Barbados' victory over the West Indies (last Saturday)," said Harper, pictured right.

"I think it's a well-deserved victory by our boys. We worked very hard this year and I think we have shown improvement without getting any credit for it. I'm proud of how these guys have played this year."

It's an outcome, he added, that will certainly boost player confidence as Clay Smith and company look ahead to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Trophy competition next summer in Ireland.

"I think their confidence is growing. From the games we have played this year they are aware of what they can achieve if they are more focused and committed and stick to the game plan."

Failing to execute their intentions, Harper noted, has been Bermuda's downfall in the past and might have been again on Tuesday given their innings.

"Bermuda has gotten into good positions several times, even against Canada and the USA in the Americas Cup, but we always seem to go flat.

"Even in this match, we were 114 for two ? hoping to retain wickets and accumulate runs ? and the next thing you know we were 145 for nine. So we didn't bat as well as we should have."

However, a stubborn, last-wicket stand of 80 between tail-enders Jacobi Robinson and Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock pushed Bermuda's score to 225 all out in 48.1 overs.

"Once again Jacobi proved he is a good striker of the ball who is capable of doing well at this level. Leverock deserves credit also. He is an exceptional performer and that was a tremendous partnership.

"We talk a lot about partnerships and that one was needed. It gave us something to fight with."

Then Bermuda's cricketers got in gear with their game plan during the Barbadians' turn at bat, reducing the regional champions to 48 for four and then 93 for five. However, it took all their nerves to ultimately conquer Sherwin Campbell's men who defied the odds to come within one shot of winning, totalling 219 in 45.3 overs.

"It was important to start well in the field and we discussed how we wanted to bowl to (Martin) Nurse and the others, not allowing them to get away to an explosive start," recalled Harper.

He attributed success to a combination of good bowling, superb catching and cool heads among the team's veterans.

"Guys like Leverock, Clay Smith and Charlie Marshall are very tough competitors. Those senior players ensured that everybody was going to give their best. During one of the last water breaks I emphasised that players had to make sure this one didn't get away," he said, conceding he was worried when Robinson was flogged for 28 runs by Callitos Lopez in his eighth over.

"I just had faith in the guys this time. Something told me with (Barbados having) eight wickets down we were going to do it."

Harper saluted the effort of 17-year-old Allan Douglas Jr. who trapped Jason Bennett leg before wicket to seal Bermuda's unforgettable night.

"Young Dougie has come on leaps and bounds this season in his batting and bowling. It's good to have someone with his talent bowling at the end. "He bowls pretty straight and full and is very quick through the air.

"It worked out well for us that he was able to come and bowl in that pressure situation. It says a lot for his temperament also.

"I hope this inspires him to go on and develop his talent and play for Bermuda," he said of the St. George's all-rounder.

Harper also noted that Robinson ? who smashed 59 not out from 45 deliveries ? has the potential to be a genuine all-rounder but needs to "be more conscientious about training and more thoughtful in his overall cricket". His fitness must improve too, said the coach.

The batting of Smith and Bermuda's number-three Philip Burgess, who compiled 76 for the third wicket and contributed 40 and 45 respectively to the score, was another feature which pleased Harper.

"Philip came in at a crucial time. The fast bowlers were on and he managed to weather that storm and went on to play some lovely shots and shared a very important partnership with the captain."

Special praise was reserved for Smith who has enjoyed a solid season at the crease, repeatedly leading his country by example.

"Clay Smith is a class player and he thrives on competitiveness. He likes a fight, especially a dog fight, and he has played some exceptional innings this season. He has been the backbone of our batting, going out there and putting his head down in every game."

Smith's accomplishments, Harper stressed, are all the more laudable given his recurrent knee problems.

The captain's leadership also received high marks, with Harper rating his performances on Tuesday and versus the West Indies last Thursday as "excellent".

"He is learning and improving all the time and the guys respond well to him. We all work well together," he said.