— but held to scoreless draw against J/ca

By Floyd Christie

The national women’s rugby Seven’s team began its quest to retain its North American and Caribbean Rugby Associations (NACRA) Championship with a commanding display of rugby yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence.

Guyana’s Collette Hope (with ball) leaves a St. Lucia defender in her trail en route to the try-line yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence (Orlando Charles photo)

The females ended the day with an undefeated record after running over Mexico 46-0, drawing with Jamaica 0-0 and snatching victory from a fighting St. Lucia line-up to take the final game of the day 10-0.

After easily disposing of Mexico in their opening game the local ladies found their hands full in the game against Jamaica.

In what was the female version of Sunday’s Central American and Caribbean Games men’s rugby Sevens gold medal showdown between Guyana and Jamaica, the Jamaica and Guyana female teams battled with equal gusto.

The Jamaican women were constantly on the attack  and the heart’s of Guyanese fans were oftentimes to be found in their hands as they witnessed the host nation come within metres of conceding a try in some instances.

The locals managed to keep the citadel intact however which led to a scoreless encounter.

“We played great rugby against Mexico but we strayed against Jamaica,” Guyana’s female rugby Sevens coach, Alton Agard told Stabroek Sport at the end of the day’s scheduled games.

Agard, however, assured that his team will improve on areas of weakness and better their performance today.

Against St. Lucia, the national female two-time Caribbean champions appeared somewhat jaded, until they pulled it together before breaking free when Nikita Davis and Collette Hope garnered a try each. Unfortunately, the two tries were not converted and the national females ended with 10 points.

In other matches yesterday, Mexico edged Cayman Islands 10-7 in the day’s curtain raiser while Jamaica drew 5-5 with Trinidad and Tobago, prior to their 36-0 trouncing of the Cayman Islands.

St. Lucia also took advantage of the Cayman Islands with a 12-0 win, but not before bowing out to Trinidad and Tobago 0-27.

Trinidad and Tobago also dismantled Mexico 31-7 to claim their second win and complete the day in similar fashion to the Guyanese team with two wins and a draw.