2015 Rugby World Cup
The national 15s ruggers have found themselves in a must-win situation against Trinidad and Tobago on June 2 to qualify for the next round of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Regional Qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The Guyanese took on hosts Barbados on Saturday last in a game that ended in a 10-all draw at the Garrison Savannah. Both countries failed to capitalize on their conversions after scoring two tries each, and walked away with two points apiece from the match.
Newly elected president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union, Colonel John Lewis, who served as Manager of the team, related the Guyanese made a brave attempt to surge ahead after the scores were level, but their efforts proved futile. “After we scored in the 70th minute, the game went on to 80 minute plus a bit on injury time, and we were, in that period, always in the Barbados try-line, but we just couldn’t get that ball over and put it down properly. So we were in an all out mode of attack, but I guess it was just bad luck,” Lewis said at the press briefing yesterday.
Barbados opened the scoring in the 25th minute, but 14 minutes later, Rodwell Hutson equalized for Guyana. With the scores leveled at 5-5 at the half, Barbados grabbed the advantage with a try in the 55th minute to move 10-5 up, but the Guyanese drew level through a try from Ryan Hinckson in the 70th minute.
Head Coach Theodore Henry said he is proud of the players, despite them not leaving the island with a victory in the bag.
“As you may be aware, we were missing a few key players, most notably in the three-quarter line, we were missing Claudius Butts and [Kevin] McKenzie. So I could safely say that we were fielding an inexperienced team and it showed up in the game,” he explained.
Despite not getting the desired result, Henry believed there were a few bright spots for Guyana. “Some of the positives that I would take out would be the fact that the forwards that usually are the weaker part of our team in 15s rugby have proven to be the strength and foundation of the team right now, and those in the three-quarter line are playing catch-up with the forwards right now, so it’s heartening to see the big guys playing some superb rugby.”
The Guyanese will square off with Trinidad and Tobago on June 2 in a must-win game at the National Stadium, Providence. As part of preparations for that game, the ruggers will be involved in a practice match on Saturday from 11:00 hours at the same venue.
According to Henry, the Guyana team is expected to be at full strength for the Trinidad and Tobago game, as a number of key players, including Butts, Richard Staglon and Ronald Mayers, have indicated their availability for the crucial encounter.
-Avenash Ramzan
Source: www.guyanatimesgy.com