Bermuda Edge Panama in Final Group Game for First Win
Goalscorer Simmons battles for the Ball
IslandStats.com
Bermuda's Men's National Field Hockey team finally secured their first victory of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament in Mexico, edging out a determined Panama side 1-0 in their final Group match. Both teams entered the contest desperately seeking their first win, with Bermuda having drawn their opening game against the hosts but subsequently suffering three defeats, while Panama were winless after four matches.
Panama 0 Bermuda 1
Panama Starting Line-Up: - Angel Molina, Rodrigo Flores, Juan Miranda, Giancarlo Garibaldi, Eduardo Gordon, Angelo Boodie, Jose Donado, Yomar Martinez, Elvis Salazar, Yeison Suira, Rocendo Villanueva, Jasson Miranda, Adonys Rodriguez, Herald Medina, Victor Acosta, Ariel Coronado, Nelson Reales, Aldahir Ornano - Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Justin Dill, Nathan Bothello, Alexander Godet, Aaron Madeiros, Gareth Tavares, Hemijah Bean, Donovan Simmons, Jonah Trott, Isaac Davis, Rees Young, Jordache Rawson - Substitutes: - Aizaya Smith, Xyaire Smith, Makie De Souza, Richard Minors, Sven Curley, Owen Curley
The opening period was a cagey affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock in Hamilton, Bermuda. However, the second period saw Bermuda find the breakthrough. In the 21st minute, Donovan Simmons provided the crucial strike.
Simmons collected a pass from Hemijah Bean, cleverly cut inside his Panamanian defender, and then unleashed a powerful shot past the Panama goalkeeper, giving Bermuda the lead.
Bermuda took their slender 1-0 advantage into the half-time break, with both teams having battled fiercely across the pitch. The see-saw nature of the contest continued throughout the third and fourth periods.
Panama pushed hard for an equaliser, while Bermuda looked to extend their lead. However, both goalkeepers proved resilient, denying any further scoring opportunities.
In the end, Bermuda held firm, securing the hard-fought 1-0 victory and moving onto a total of four points in the tournament.
