Bermuda team manager Steven Riley has praised the side’s performance after they narrowly missed out on reaching the last 16 at the International Bowling Federation World Cup in Munich, Germany.

In Riley’s final international assignment, Bermuda finished seventh in group B, with the top four qualifying for the last 16, but during the campaign the team recorded victories over China, Slovakia, Gibraltar, Estonia, Croatia and Wales.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team and they just fell one match short of qualifying for the round of 16,” Riley told The Royal Gazette.

“Watching them go toe-to-toe against leaders Hong Kong was impressive and watching them come from behind to beat the likes of China was just as remarkable.

“Overall, the team has done remarkably well competing against the top 48 nations in the world. We also had David David Maycock just missing qualification in the round of 32 in the men’s singles by one match.

“As I sign off I’m very comfortable Team Bermuda is in a good place going forward. It has been my biggest honour working with Team Bermuda over the years.

“I wish them continued success because of the talent there as we’ve shown on the world stage at the last two World Cups.”

Maycock, who finished third to narrowly miss out on the top two spots that advanced to the next round in the singles, was pleased with his own performance and the team’s display.

“Overall, it was a great experience competing at the World Cup in Germany,” Maycock said.

“In singles, I bowled pretty well, but moving from lane to lane on the tricky oil pattern was a challenge. I managed to win some tight matches, but I needed one more win to make the top two.

“Only the top two advanced, so to tie for third place was a little disappointing. Still, I’m happy with my performance and the way I competed. All you can do is keep putting yourself in these positions, learn from every experience and keep getting closer to your goals.

“In Baker teams, we bowled great together as a team, but unfortunately the breaks didn’t go our way finishing seventh. The cut was the top four teams moving forward, so we were close.”

Maycock lamented attending international assignments without a coach after the arrangement with American Joe Slowinski ended following the Central American and Caribbean Games.

“We did this all without a coach and if Bermuda wants to see more results we need funding for things like a coach, equipment and many other things,” he added.

“Competing on string pins, we left a few hits that just didn’t fall, but that’s part of the game. Overall, it was a great tournament, a valuable experience and another opportunity to learn and grow.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished as a team and myself. I am motivated to keep working hard. Onto the next one, we appreciate all the support from everyone, bigger things coming soon.”