Kyle Hodsoll produced a man-of-the-match display while Bermuda All-Stars team-mate Lionel Cann led all scorers on their debut in the 42nd Annual Stars Cricket match against New Jersey on Monday.

However, it wasn’t enough to propel the visitors to victory as they suffered an agonising seven-run defeat by champions New Jersey Stars at Watsessing Park.

Hodsoll claimed five for 23 sharing the new ball with fellow debutant Malachi Jones as New Jersey were dismissed for 133 after electing to take first strike in the 30-overs contest.

“I am happy with the performance and happy with my figures, first time really playing with the pink ball that swings a lot,” the Bailey’s Bay seamer told The Royal Gazette.

“As far as the match, it was unfortunate that we lost by seven runs, but New Jersey had a decent team.

“Hopefully I can be available for next year and try to come out here and challenge for the cup again.”

Cann thumped a game-high 40 to lead the resistance for Bermuda in their chase.

“It was a good little knock,” said Cann, who dominated in a 55-run partnership with Rodney Trott.

“I haven’t had a bat in my hand for five years, so it was nice to get out there in the middle and have a good go.

“I was kind of shaky at the beginning, actually, getting the body moving, but after that things went pretty smooth, playing shots like I normally do.”

With an asking rate of 4.4 runs per over, the Bermuda All-Stars were cruising along at 74 for three before a collapse saw them lose their remaining seven wickets for 49 runs.

“It was a game that we definitely could’ve won,” Cann said. “The guys wanted to win, but obviously we didn’t cross the line.

“Kyle bowled well. We had them in serious trouble early and I think we took the gas off a little bit. But 133 is a score we could’ve got.

“We got close at the end and overall it was a good experience. Everybody had fun and we look forward to next year.”

Spinner Hasan Durham (two for 39) was the remaining Bermuda All-Stars bowler taking multiple wickets, while captain Ricky Hill (16), Kevin Hurdle (14) and Trott (10) were the other batters in double figures.