RONALD Annandsingh, president, Caribs Rugby Football Club (RFC), has dedicated their victory in the prestigious Bruno Browne Cup and Toyota Rugby Championship to the deceased Allyson Hennessy and Kendall Mootoo.
Caribs edged Stag Trinidad Northern 13-10 on Sunday to clinch both titles in a thrilling encounter at the Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair.
Speaking to Newsday on Tuesday, Annandsingh said the win was for their avid supporter Hennessy who passed away in May and former player Mootoo who died last month.
Mootoo, an ex-CIC student, represented the country at the developmental and Under-19 levels and was also on the senior team’s Sevens and 15-a-side teams.
“We did it for both of them. It’s the first time we lost two members in such a short period of time,” Annandsingh said.
“It’s been a difficult period for us,” he added.
The Caribs boss noted that regaining the Bruno Browne Cup was a special feeling as it now returns to where he feels it belongs.
“Regaining the Bruno Browne helps to put at ease some of our older membership. They fought hard to win it in the past so now to get it back is good,” he explained.
Annandsingh believes the key to their success is their togetherness which was displayed in the final.
“The game was very difficult with the weather conditions. It was who wanted to win more. We knew Northern weren’t going to give us it so we had to go there and take the Bruno Browne Cup. Mentally and physically we were ready for battle. We played as a team and kept our unity. The defence was good and they defended with consistency,” he continued.
The Caribs president hailed his club’s youth system which he also credited for their continued success on the local stage.
“Our history (helps us standout). Being in existence for so long, the younger players take a page out of the older guys’ books. Not that we have a great mentor programme but it stems from our youth development and our coaching. We have depth,” he explained.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt