By Calvin Roberts
The size and weight advantages held by Trinidad and Tobago’s rugby players caused defending champions Guyana to go down to their opponents in the final of the North American West Indies Rugby Association (NAWIRA) 15’s World Cup qualifying competition in the Grand Cayman last Sunday.
Guyana played unbeaten in the tournament which was played on a knockout basis with victories over Jamaica (10-3) and Bermuda, whom they defeated 25-13 before going down to Trinidad who have advanced to the next stage where they play the CONSOR group B winner 24-40 in the final.
Despite the loss, manager of the team Peter Campaign was high in praise of his team.
“We played excellent rugby during that qualifying competition and it was a shame that we lost in the final to Trinidad. I must single out the performances of scrum half Theo Henry and full back Kevin Mc Kenzie, who played their hearts out for their country with the latter having the distinct opportunity of scoring the first try in the final,” Campaign said.
At a press conference that was held in the board room of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) yesterday Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) president Noel Adonis took the opportunity to highlight the remaining events scheduled for the year, placing great emphasis on the Women’s 15 a- side competition which will see four countries participating in the tournament scheduled to be held in Guyana from May 5.
“I must say that the International Rugby Union (IRU) is placing greater emphasis on the growth and development of women’s rugby around the world, offering financial assistance wherever necessary towards same,” said Adonis.
He added: “This tournament will be a significant one to be held here in Guyana not only in rugby, but women’s’ sport on the whole in Guyana. Apart from table tennis, hockey and squash, there are not too many sporting activities planned for women athletes here in Guyana and we at the GRFU will be targeting schools as we seek to get youths both males and females involved in the game.
“To this effect, free tickets will be issued to the schools whilst persons under the age of 16 will be admitted free.”
Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony will meet the officials of the teams and give the feature address at the opening ceremony set to commence from 1330hrs (1:30pm) at the National Park, with the first game following shortly after from 1400hrs (2:00pm) between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago whilst host Guyana takes on Cayman Islands from 1600hrs (4:00pm).
Games that will be double header features will continue on May 7 with Jamaica opposing Cayman Islands and Trinidad taking on Guyana whilst on May 10 Trinidad will oppose Cayman Islands whilst Guyana takes on Jamaica.
