Debré Evans On Netball Team’s Success
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda captain Debre Evans said she was proud of her team’s silver-medal triumph at the Battle of the Isles tournament, marking the island’s return to international netball after a self-imposed hiatus.
Bermuda won six of their eight matches, with both losses coming against world No 47 Canada, including a 61-32 defeat in the final in Sint Maarten.
The five-team event was the island’s first international outing for several years. Bermuda last held a world ranking of 35th in 2020.
Their victories included two wins over Sint Maarten, as well as victories against the British Virgin Islands, Sint Eustatius and Guadeloupe.
The fixture against Guadeloupe was added to ensure Bermuda met the eight-game requirement for World Netball ranking eligibility.
“I really want to commend the players and coaches for their contributions,” Evans told Bernews.
“We’re just so glad to have performed so well, having been out of the international scene for so long.
“We performed better than we expected. It’s rewarding to see our hard work pay off.
“We achieved our objective of earning a world ranking, which we won’t know until December 1.”
Evans, who had not previously played for the senior national team, said the young squad learned valuable lessons from a demanding schedule in the Caribbean.
“Two games every day was demanding – it was a lot on the body,” said Evans, who also captains Storm domestically.
“We learned that the mental battle is the hardest part. The body will perform if the mind is in the right space.”
Evans, who switched from her usual defensive role to centre, praised the team’s adaptability.
“We’re a very versatile group,” she said. “Our players can play anywhere on the court. We’re all true netballers.”
Evans said the tournament had deepened the players’ pride in representing Bermuda and inspired them to help grow the game locally.
“We can’t wait to go again,” she added. “The feeling of representing your country isn’t something you can really explain.
“Having your country’s crest on your body while doing something you love is special.
“We want to grow the sport on the island and would love more players down at Bernard Park.
“We’re all excited to take what we’ve learned on the international scene and apply it domestically.”
