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T&T was beaten 4-2 in a kickoff by host nation Cayman Islands after both sides ended the match, deadlocked at 8-8, in the final of the North America, Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Under-19 Championships 2011. At the Truman Bodden Stadium on Saturday evening, the young “Calypso Warriors” took an 8-0 advantage with a try scored by Joseph Anderson and a convergent scored by Jamal Stewart. However, both efforts were canceled out by Cayman Islands which responded with another try and penalty in the final play of regulation time. Cayman then held their defensive line, allowing T&T no chance for a further breakthrough, taking the match to a standstill at the end of full time. Cayman then proved to be the better kicking side, leaving T&T in the dust after the “Calypso Warriors” found the target on only two occasions to Cayman’s four.
The U-19 boys were 22-19 winners over Mexico on Wednesday which earned them a place in the final. Carlton St Clair, Melville Eastman scored tries, while Jamal Steward took points with a couple of converted efforts. On Monday, T&T defeated Jamaica 20-7. T&T lead 15-0 at half time with an assertive performance but slumped to a more sloppy display in the second half. Olton Charles impressed with three tries while Brandon Scotland also touched the white line with a try of his own.
T&T was more impressive in the Women’s final, as the team lifted the trophy following a resounding victory over Cayman Islands 50-0 on Friday. Dalia Jordon Brown, Tanesha Samuels, Latoya Edwards, Alesha Bruce, Talia Wislon and Nicolette Pantor scored tries for the 2009 Caribbean Champions T&T along with the tournament’s outstanding player, fly half Juliana Straker who also converted four efforts and was awarded the “Most Valuable Player”. Straker also scored three tries in T&T’s comfortable win over Jamaica in the semi final of the women’s competition on Tuesday.