GUYANA’s National Rugby team, more popularly known as the ‘Green Machine’, defeated Barbados 34 – 26 yesterday at the Garrison Field to make a successful start to their Rugby Americas North (RAN) South Zone title.

The Guyanese entered the game as heavy favourites, but the team’s head coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart, prior to their departure last Friday, had told Chronicle Sport that the Green Machine will not be taking their ‘Bajan’ counterparts lightly.

Vice-Captain Richard Staglon was the star of the day, scoring three tries, while Vallon Adams had two (tries) and Ahmed Isaacs scored a try on his debut. Rickford Cummings scored two conversions.

Meanwhile, following yesterday’s game against Barbados, Guyana will play host to longtime rivals Trinidad and Tobago at the National Park Rugby Field on June 10, in a rematch of last year’s South Zone final.

The ‘Green Machine’ is the current runners-up to Mexico in the Regional RAN 15’s Championships as well as Current RAN 7’s Caribbean Champion.

Squad: Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Richard Staglon (vice-captain), Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Godfrey Broomes, Dwayne Schroeder, Sean Phillips, Vallon Adams, Ahmed Isaacs, Rondel McArthur, Jason Tyrell, Allain Crawford, Kevon David, Jamal Angus, Troyton Braithwaite, Patrick King, Joseph Rahaman, Cyon Kitt, Toby David, Osie Mckenzie, Rickford Cummings and Blaise Bailey.