Bermuda Under-16 women’s rugby sevens team played their first competitive game at the weekend, a hard-fought match against a visiting team from the United States.

The home squad may be inexperienced but this failed to hold them back and, while the New York side won 25-5, Bermuda’s girls demonstrated a great deal of potential and enthusiasm.

Their sole try came from speedy Angelé Basden, 12.

Because of late withdrawals, there were only five under-16s in the squad for the contact sevens game at the National Sports Centre — Basden, Haley Place, Mika Woods, Emile Sinclair and Corrie Cross — with the shortfall was made up by members of the senior women’s team.

Tries for the visiting side, who represent Play Rugby USA, a non-profit organisation that aims to develop youth through rugby, were scored by Giovanna Ferguson-Lewis, Naomi Edouard, Brianna Grant, Susan Adegoke and Genesis Mendoza.

Kelli Nusum, the Bermuda Under-16 coach, who plays for the national team, said that the Island should be proud of its youngsters.

“Women’s rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and we are proud that Bermuda is now contributing to that growth,” she said. “These young ladies are the future of women’s rugby and are showing great promise. They fought hard to win tackles and make breaks during the game. We’re really proud of them and excited for the future of girls’ rugby.”

Bermuda’s under-14 and under-17 men’s squads also played on Saturday against Play Rugby USA teams, with the younger side winning 40-15 and the older boys going down narrowly, 15-14.

Anyone interested in training with the Bermuda women’s Under-16 team should e-mail Patrick Calow, youth development officer for Bermuda Rugby Football Union, at pcalow@brfu.bm.