Some of Bermuda’s most promising cricketers grasped their moment to shine on the big stage when playing in the Future Stars exhibition match.

The appetiser to the Bermuda Smash Invitational final was held before a large crowd at the North Field, National Sports Centre, with Athene Blue beating rivals Athene Green by 54 runs in an entertaining T20 match.

The game offered a glimpse into the future and coach Irving Romaine, a former Bermuda cricket captain reckons the game is in “good hands”.

“It was a pleasure to watch,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“They played well and showed that cricket is in good hands coming through and there needs to be more things like this.

“The 16 to 25 age group was targeted because aside from the under 19s if they are not making it into a senior team then there’s no cricket for them, and so they chose to stop playing.

“Hopefully more of this is going to be put forward for the youngsters because it’s served them well. It shows that we have talent on the island so showcases like this need to be put forth some more.”

Athene Blue posted 165 for six after electing to take first strike on a good batting track, with wicketkeeper Jamori Manders and Callum McIntosh both stroking 36. Jordan Burgess made an unbeaten 29, Sa-Qui Robinson 24 and Oyinde Bascome 22.

Women’s professional hopeful and Flatts player Brianna Ray was the pick of Athene Green bowling with two for 30.

With an asking rate of 8.25 runs per over, Athene Green came up short and were restricted to 111 for seven in reply, with Zakao Hart making the highest score of the match with an unbeaten 50, which included four boundaries, off 50 deliveries

Shaquille Pitcher (two for 21) and McIntosh (two for 19) took two wickets each to lead the Athene Blue attack.

Manders and rival Hart were chosen as men of the match for their exploits in the middle. Manders, who also had a catch and stumping, was delighted to come away with bragging rights.

“Both teams played great and it felt good to win,” he said. “Everyone did a great job and I want to congratulate both teams.

“Each team came with energy and showed great sportsmanship and at the end of the day it was just a lovely day for cricket.

“It was good to showcase everybody’s skills and it was a better turnout than we had thought. It was nice everybody came out to support the future stars.”

As for his team’s display, the Western Stars player added: “We started a little slow batting and then we picked up playing a bit more aggressive with each person playing their role.

“Then in the second innings I thought our bowlers hit their mark and we also fielded good to bring it home for us.”

Hart backed his team to reach their target but felt the loss of early wickets took a heavy toll.

“We were confident and had a goal, but unfortunately our openers got out early and it was downhill from there,” he said.

As for his sparkling innings, the Bailey’s Bay player said: “We lost a wicket early so I stepped up to the plate and it was pretty easy from there.

“There wasn’t really too much movement from the ball. The wicket flattened out and that was it”

Katherine Bean-Rosario, who also plays for First Division side Flatts, came away with a wicket and was happy to see her team victorious.

“Everyone did great in both innings and I got a wicket,” she said. “It was a good match and the energy was very high.

“It was just a great atmosphere and an opportunity to showcase the young talent in Bermuda, which doesn’t happen very often.

“It was exciting and I hope next year even more people come out to watch and support us.”