Bermuda's Under-19 lacrosse team finished in the top half of their group after beating Korea 8-4 in their latest game at the Under-19 World Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The side have surprisingly impressed in a sport which is largely unknown in Bermuda after entering the championships for the first time.

Bermuda, who were placed in the red pool which contained Germany, Scotland, Wales, Finland and South Korea, made it clear that they belong at the top of the International Lacrosse Federation's developing nations programme as games against top-of-the-table Germany and Scotland were fiercely competitive to go along with victories over Finland and Wales.

They finished in a three-way tie for second place in their division.

Playing with a limited roster of 18, rather than the normal 23 due to the lack of players available, Bermuda compiled a record of 3-2.

After losing against a more experienced German team 15-7, Bermuda faced Scotland on Sunday and went down 13-8. But they then produced their best to beat Korea.

"This is the first youth tournament Bermuda have entered and so far they have played with heart, pride, and a tenacity we couldn't have hoped for." said Bermuda Lacrosse Federation (BLF) spokesman Michael Totman.

"When other countries look at Bermuda, they see us as a tourist destination, not a strong lacrosse team. But when they realise we actually play lacrosse in Bermuda with Bermudians, and not American imports, they are amazed at the success we've had.

"The team looks very good, especially considering our first game here was only the eighth day the team had played together. We won our first two games, the first two wins ever for Bermuda in international lacrosse, and suddenly were looking like a top team in our division.

"We dropped our next two, but finished the round robin against Korea."

Totman is adamant the side would only get stronger as they become more accustomed to playing alongside each other.

"Next up for this team will be the 2010 senior men's World Championships. By 2010 most of this team will be eligible for that tournament, so the next two years we'll focus on developing that team.

"We'll also focus on starting a youth programme in Bermuda to continually feed our teams with talent and also allow players to receive scholarships to play overseas.

"Of the 18 players in Canada, 15 are Bermudian or have lived a considerable amount of their lives in Bermuda. Many had never played until two years ago."

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