Following an all-important 24-23 win in the first leg of their Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s Championship match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad on April 28, Guyana’s national Rugby team, the ‘Green Machine’ will host the return leg on June 22.
Initially scheduled for June 1, it was confirmed by Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) President Ryan Dey, that the return leg will now be played on June 22 with the tentative venue being the rugby field in the National Park, Thomas Lands.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport, Dey noted that the win is a “big deal for Guyana and our guys, especially after heading back into international action after almost five years. The fact that we won the first game means that we have taken that important first step towards a resurgence. Come June 22 we will be looking for home support from our Guyanese brothers and sisters”.
Dey also pointed out that the ‘Green Machine’ will look to carry on their momentum from the first leg win to secure victory on home soil.
On the other hand, Dey noted that the GRFU will be looking to have much needed work done on the dressing rooms at the National Park as the body will be looking for a smooth hosting of the match. While facilities for rugby have long been an issue, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle told this newspaper that the National Sports Commission remains open to offering support to the GRFU once approached.
Once the ‘Green Machine’ wins, Guyana will progress to the final of the RAN sub-zone where they will face the winner of the scrum between Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia. The RAN Men’s Championship has returned after being out for almost five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guyana’s last gasp 24-23 win over Trinidad and Tobago was their first match since they lost 19-5 at home to Guadeloupe in 2019 in the same competition.
While last Sunday’s fixture went right down to the final whistle, the Green Machine managed to emerge triumphantly thanks to a hat-trick from tight-head prop Rondel McArthur and the heroics of USA-based Godfrey Pollydore.
Guyana’s previous record against the Trinidadians was abysmal having lost their six previous encounters.
Prior to last Sunday’s match, Guyana were the lower ranked of the two sides but has now moved up five places to 52nd in the world while Trinidad and Tobago have slipped from 49th to 55th.
