THE ‘Green Machine’ suffered a punishing 14-58 defeat yesterday against the Cayman Islands, which means that Guyana will miss this year’s Americas Rugby Challenge.

Cayman Islands will now represent Rugby Americas North (RAN) at the tournament that also features Colombia, Mexico, and Paraguay.

Guyana competed in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2018. The Green Machine finished bottom losing 71-7 against Colombia, 86-7 against Paraguay and 48-36) against Mexico.
Despite having played in the 2018 Americas Rugby Challenge Guyana did not enter yesterday’s match at the South Sounds Ground in George Town as favourites, since Cayman Islands not only had home advantage but were also ranked higher. In the current Americas Rankings, Cayman Islands are 10th while Guyana are 12th.

Godfrey Broomes scored a try and made good of his two conversions, while Osei McKenzie (try) was also responsible for putting up some points on the board for Guyana.
With the win over Guyana, Cayman Islands will be advancing to play international rugby outside of the Caribbean region for the first time in the country’s history in the sport.
Guyana squad:

Forwards: Jason Tyrell, Rondel McArthur, Walter George, James Osborne, Joseph Rahman, Selwyn Henry, Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes, David Garrett, Cloyd Prowell, Osei McKenzie, Richard Staglon and Vallon Adams.

Backs: Glenroy Poole, Jamal Darrell, Kevon David, Ryan Dey, Phibian Joseph, Ryan Gonsalves, Ronald Mayers, Grantley Williams, Sean Phillips and Lancelot Adonis.