‘Island Games A Learning Curve For Bermuda’
[Written by Stephen Wright]
John Barry Nusum, the Bermuda men’s under-23 coach, said his side “learned a few lessons” after finishing fourth at the NatWest International Island Games in Guernsey.
Nusum’s team came top of group three on nine points with wins over Froya, Orkney and Greenland but lost 2-0 in the semi-finals to Ynys Mon.
In the bronze medal match, they lost 2-1 to the Isle of Wight, taking the lead through a first-half penalty from Enrique Russell before Joseph Craig scored twice in two minutes early in the second half for their opponents.
Nusum said his team squandered too many scoring opportunities throughout the competition, especially against Ynys Mon and the Isle of Wight.
“We’re missing too many chances,” Nusum told Bernews. “That’s what punishes you.
“Those two goals in the second half [against the Isle of Wight] put us away.
“We were playing against grown men, and this journey [to the Island Games] was about growth and learning lessons.
“We learned a few lessons, especially the past couple of games.
“We tried hard, and the boys gave it their all, but we didn’t bring the energy we needed [against the Isle of Wight].”
Bermuda Under-23 take on the Independent Development Academy of Reading in a friendly at Bedfont Recreation Ground in Greater London on Monday.
