WHEN Guyana’s national rugby team take to the National Park tomorrow from 16:00hrs to face Trinidad and Tobago in their all-important North American Caribbean Rugby Football Association (NACRA) Caribbean 15s Championship, they will be doing so with the support of Banks DIH behind them.
Yesterday, at a simple media briefing held in the boardroom of the beverage manufacturing giant, Banks Beer brand manager Brian Choo-Hen presented a cheque for an undisclosed sum to president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Peter Greene.
Prior to the presentation, Greene, who also stewards the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF), said the GRFU has done everything within its power to ensure the Guyana 15s squad is well prepared ahead of the clash.
“This matchup against Trinidad and Tobago, for which we are the underdogs, since they defeated us 20-0 last year after we defeated them by the same margin the previous year, can be viewed as a final in the Caribbean championship.
“I say so because both teams chalked up resounding victories over Barbados in their opening matches, with Guyana winning 48-19 and T&T coming away with a 38-5 victory,” said Greene.
He added, “We have done everything within our power and limitation to ensure the team is adequately prepared for this matchup, so it is no longer what if, but when, and I can safely say that the guys are bubbling over with confidence, fit and ready to go mentally and physically.”
He thanked Banks DIH for coming on board, this time with their GT Genuine Lager Beer and even expressed GRFU’s appreciation to the beverage company for its belief and timely support given to rugby football in Guyana.
Communication Manager of Banks DIH Troy Peters in his brief remarks applauded the GRFU for the hard work they have put in, in order to have the team ready for this all-important clash, saying he is eagerly looking forward to the contest.
“I must say thanks to the GRFU for hosting the game at the National Park, since for me it brings the spectators close to the game based on the outline of the venue which has hosted several matches of this nature in times past.
“I believe that the GRFU is doing a tremendous job when it comes to promoting and developing the sport of rugby in Guyana and we at Banks DIH will be looking forward to a very exciting game on Saturday (tomorrow) and also to see Guyana using their home advantage well,” said Peters.
Captain of the Guyana 15s team, Ryan Gonsalves, who, along with GRFU vice-president Mike McCormack, referee’s official Terrence Grant and assistant manager Robin Roberts, was present at the briefing, emulated Greene by saying the team is ready for the clash.
“This clash with T&T is an important game for us. It can be seen as the ‘Battle of the Giants’, since we both defeated Barbados and have the same points-difference.
“We never see them (T&T) as a pushover even though we defeated them two years ago, but the fact that they defeated us last year means we will be looking to settle the score on Saturday, as this will be payback time for last year’s loss,” said Gonsalves.
Quizzed on the feelings in the team, Gonsalves said his teammates are all bubbling with confidence, fit, ready and raring to have a go at the Trinidadians, knowing very well what is at stake.
“We have been in training for a lengthy period prior to this clash and as you know with all ball games, the team that plays well on the day comes out victorious, so all we are looking to do is play well, handle the ball well, execute what we would have practised and come away with the win at the end of the day.”
Asked about injury concerns within the team which will be having the services of USA-based Vallon Adams for this all-important clash, taking into consideration he missed the game against Barbados, Gonsalves said there is nothing to worry about, not even with Claudius Butts.
“Claudius had some minor pains from a bad hit, but he is okay. In fact he was part of our assimilation exercise yesterday (Wednesday afternoon) and he ran and caught the ball well, while his ball-handling skills were exceptional.
“With the inclusion of Vallon Adams, along with Richard Staglon and Ronald Mayers, I think we have a strong team who will be stopping the Trinidadians on Saturday and I wish to urge all Guyana to wear something green and come out and support us, even if you don’t know anything about the sport,” said Gonsalves.
In the event to ensure the game is played, the GRFU has acquired the services of a water-pump which will be utilised should the outfield become waterlogged from the inclement weather that has been plaguing the country recently.
The winners of the tomorrow’s clash will play-off against the winners of the North Zone – featuring reigning champions USA South, Bermuda and Cayman Islands – for the undisputed title of overall Champions on June 28.
USA South have already commenced their quest to retain the Championship title with a convincing 33-6 win against Bermuda who will be going up against Cayman Islands in the Cayman Islands tomorrow as well, before USA South and Cayman Islands battle next week Saturday.
The officials for tomorrow’s clash are Brian Zhap (Referee), Romell Paris (1st Assistant) and Carlton Heywood (2nd Assistant), with Subola Gray and Andrea Lashley as the fourth and fifth substitute officials and Jason Brewer the Match Referee.
The T&T team, along with the officials who will be coming from overseas, should arrive at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 11:00hrs today.
The Guyana 15s team reads: Ryan Gonsalves (capt.), Rondell McArthur, Rickford Cummings, Grantley Williams, Jason Tyrell, Dwayne Schroeder, Felon Thompson, Richard Staglon, Clive Powell, Peabo Hamilton, Avery Corbin, Theodore Henry, Claudius Butts, Carl Lewis, Ronald Mayers, Alain Crawford, Cyan Kitt, Kevon David, Vallon Adams, J. Archibald, Leon Greaves and Chris Singh.
Written By Calvin Roberts
