The Panthers Rugby Club emerged winners of the Stag Beer Carnival Sevens Rugby Tournament staged at the Georgetown Football Club on Sunday.
In the final, the blue and white clad outfit defeated Trinidad’s Northern Rugby Club 12-7 in a pulsating battle to be crowned champions of the lucrative 2019 fixture.
For the win, the local ruggers pocketed US$1400.
It was disclosed by Rawle Toney, principal behind the event that next year, the winner’s spoil will be US$5000, the most attractive and lucrative reward for a one-day rugby tournament in the Region.
“Let me say this now; the Guyana Carnival Rugby Sevens will be $1M [US$5,000]. I am putting that out there because we have the support of our sponsors. This year’s tournament as it is, recognizes as the second largest prize money for rugby in the Caribbean and next year we will supersede that of any tournament in the Caribbean” said Toney.
At halftime, the defensive encounter was knotted at seven apiece with Jamal Angus’ try and the Godfrey Broomes conversion making up the score for the Panthers.
The visitors quickly responded with a breakaway of their own with Davel Scott making the try which was brilliantly converted by Sebastian Navarro. The Trinidadians took home US$700 for their second place finish as they failed to score following the second half.
Osie McKenzie’s try broke the dead lock and proved to be the game winner as the Panther’s raucously celebrated their 12-7 win after the final whistle.
Besides ANSA McAL Trading Limited through the STAG Beer brand, Guyana Lottery Company’s Let’s Bet Sports and Ramps Logistics were the other partners.
