A LARGE gathering of home fans watched Trinidad and Tobago beat Guyana 26-3 in the return leg of their Rugby Americas North 15s Championship in soggy conditions last Saturday at the GDF ground, Camp Ayanganna,
The ‘Green Machine’ returned to action after a four-and-a-half-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and registered a sensational 24-23 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain on April 28, 2024.
This was Guyana’s first match since they lost 19-5 at home to Guadeloupe in the RAN Men’s Championship, 2019
“The team hadn’t played international 15s rugby since 2019 and the win in Trinidad was very important, as it was our welcome back to international 15s,” said Guyana Rugby Captain Jamal Angus.
“The main difference last Saturday and when we played in Trinidad was that we played tighter and we put away the opportunities we got,” explained Angus in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, yesterday.
According to the 30-year-old Angus, the conditions weren’t too difficult at the GDF ground.
“We were in the ascendancy for almost the entirety of the first half, but we were just unable to capitalise on the advantages we gained. Like in any sport, squandering chances came back to bite us. The team and coaching staff has [sic] to go back to the drawing board. We are going to try to keep this squad together as the guys are young and talented and will improve greatly with more experience,” Angus disclosed.
“I’d like to thank the supporters that came out on Saturday to cheer us on. I asked for a green wall of support and I got it. I’m just disappointed that we weren’t able to give Guyana the win. We are going to take the lessons from the defeat and work to become stronger and better,” the national Skipper promised.
The team conducts its practice sessions at the National Park, which is not an ideal venue.
Angus who grew up in South Ruimveldt spoke of the importance of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) having its own ground.
“Owning our own ground is so important to the improvement of the sport, as it would allow us to garner funds with entry fees for games, etc.
“Once the ground is properly done and has good drainage, that would also allow the team to train well even in the inclement weather; it’s difficult to compete at the highest level while not being able to train in proper facilities” Angus lamented.
“We would have to invest in more coaches and youth development officers. Investments would also be needed for summer camps to introduce children to the game, especially in areas outside of Georgetown. The U-19 programme has brought youths out of schools, but I don’t think we’ve been able to get back into the schools as heavily as we were prior to covid, Angus continued.
Jamal is the son of former left-arm spinner Jerry Angus, who captained Guyana in cricket at both senior levels before migrating to England.
“Initially I was interested in cricket, but I never played it more than for recreation [I]wasn’t in a club setup or anything, but when I tried out rugby, I guess things just fell into place without issue or hassle,” concluded Angus.
