Oh Canada! Canucks take Americas title

Hope springs eternal. After Canada won the Americas Championship in convincing fashion against Bermuda yesterday, the hosts now turn their attention to taking the 20-20 title.

And coach David Moore said there were lessons to build upon for the future.

“There were plenty of positives we can take from the tournament. We didn’t give up in all of the matches and just fought right to the death.

Bermuda batted first and were bowled for 181 runs. The small target left Canada in good position to win the tournament even if they didn’t win the match as they needed 118 runs to do so.

Not that it mattered as Canada replied 183-6 in 42.4 overs.

Moore said: “We were about 50 runs too short which is something we have to address because the other day against the USA we were dominating their attack and then quick wickets fall at once and then we are on the back foot. I was looking for 250 runs at one stage and then we ended up with 181 and so that’s obviously not enough to beat the better sides.

Bermuda were left to muse over what might have been if several catches weren’t dropped.

He added: “If we had the rub of the greens from decisions or little chances falling in our hands and we would’ve been able to make further inroads. I think we were very close to causing an upset, but it was not to be today.”  

 One bright spot for Bermuda was the recall of Chris Foggo who replaced the injured Jekon Edness behind the wicket. Foggo came in and hit a fine knock of 53. It’s a question of what might have been has Foggo injured himself while on 53. After getting treatment he gamely went out and tried to have a hit but was caught behind. Coach David Moore may be in need of another keeper for the 20-20.

Captain David Hemp was run out just short of his half century at 48.

Other scores saw the U.S. beat Cayman Islands by 10 wickets while Argentina and Bahamas tied. Argentina batted through their alloted overs for 333 runs while Bahamas were bowled out in 33.3 overs for the same score.

The 20-20 tournament starts today, but Bermuda isn’t in action until Saturday at the National Sports Centre when it plays Cayman and the Bahamas.

The finals will be on Sunday.