Senior men’s national team and Harvard coach, Larry Mendez, yesterday admitted that the 45–12 result which gave his team victory over Royalians and its first ever T&T Rugby Union title, was much more difficult than many thought it was.“Royalians came out to play,” said Mendez, who appeared more relieved than elated after the curtain closer on Saturday.
“The score was levelled for 20 minutes and we were on the back foot. I had to make two changes due to injuries and that made it difficult for the team to settle. But, settle we did to register the win.”
The Harvard Club dethroned Caribs as champions of the T&T Rugby Football Union (T&TRFU) Toyota Championship Division, to end its 40-year drought of a major title.
The match was staged at Harvard Pitch, Queen’s Park Savannah, with Harvard taking the bonus point win to finish the league campaign two points ahead of the “Beer Boys”, which completed its schedule six days earlier.
Mendez, who orchestrated a three-year development programme at the beginning of last season, said that his emphasis on strength and conditioning proved to be the difference between the two teams.
“There is no team that trains harder than Harvard in local rugby. I have tried to develop a fitness ethic and culture. It has won us the Marcus Minshall and the Toyota championship.”
Harvard’s Championship triumph came a week after the Tragerete Road-based club defeated Northern 25–11 to seal the Marcus Minshall Knockout Cup for the first time.
With action turning to the 7s format, coach Mendez warned his players not to become too settled as they seek to secure a whitewash of trophies.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt