Bermuda Lawn Bowls Association president David Leitch represented his country on the continental stage as Bermuda tested themselves against high-calibre opposition at the European Lawn Bowls Championship in Llandrindod Wells, Wales.
Stepping well outside their customary competitive circuit, Bermuda’s campaign was highlighted by a spirited 18-16 triumph over Portugal on the Welsh greens.
The victory marked a significant milestone for the island, whose only prior taste of international competition had come at the Guernsey and Orkney International Island Games.
Against seasoned European outfits, Leitch faced a demanding schedule of group fixtures. Bermuda opened with a tough 21-9 defeat to tournament hosts Wales, before pushing Jersey in a 21-13 contest.
A 21-14 reverse against Turkey followed, but Bermuda rebounded in style to edge out Portugal by two shots in a tense, seesaw encounter.
Leitch came agonisingly close to claiming a second victory against Sweden, narrowly falling 20-17 in a high-scoring thriller, before closing out the championship with a 21-9 defeat against Spain.
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