Updated: October 12, 2023 at 6:45 p.m.

Saltus players shake hands with rivals St George’s Vancouver during the Canadian Accredited Independent School Senior Boys’ Tournament in Ontario, Canada, on Thursday (Provided photo)

It was a frustrating day for Saltus Grammar School on the first day of the Canadian Senior Boys’ Accredited Independent Schools Tournament at Ridley College in Ontario on Thursday.

The Bermuda high school champions suffered a 2-0 defeat in their tournament opener against St George’s Vancouver, but bounced back with a 1-1 draw against St John’s Ravencourt.

Saltus must have regretted missed chances against number 1. St George’s Vancouver, 2 seeds, capitalized with a late double salvo to secure the points.

“It was a close game and they scored two late goals for the win,” Saltus coach John Barry Nusum said. The Royal Gazette.

“In the first half we failed to capitalize on a few opportunities which left them in the game. Then, in the second half, the match became more of a physical battle which they managed to win.

Nusum’s men also wasted chances against St John’s Ravencourt in the next match, which they led before their opponents fought back to claim a share of the spoils.

Ahri Daniels broke the deadlock early in the first half to give Saltus the lead before their Canadian rivals equalized early in the second half.

“Our team played much better but failed to end their chances to achieve victory,” Nusum added.

Saltus is making his first appearance at the tournament in three years and traveled with a team of 17 players aged 14 to 17. Nusum is assisted by coaches Timmy Figureido and Lynn Emery.

Saltus players warm up before kick-off against St George’s Vancouver (Photo provided)