– Venue troubles ahead of Saturday
By Treiston Joseph
The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and Banks DIH will this weekend continue their long-standing relationship by hosting the RAN 15’s rugby game between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday (June 10).
Communications Director of Banks DIH, Troy Peters, noted that the beverage giant is always pleased to support the national male rugby side, popularly known as the ‘Green Machine’. “We have been supportive of rugby for as long as I can remember and I know Trinidad brings a rough and rugged game, but I know our boys can handle it,” Peters stated.
President of the Union Peter Green, who thanked Banks DIH for its support, revealed at the press conference that GRFU is still in search of a venue, noting that the National Park, because of the inclement weather, is unfit to host the match.
In addition, Green noted that the National Stadium is out of the picture because of cricket commitments, but did share that the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora and the Saints school ground on Carifesta Avenue are being considered as alternate venues. Nevertheless, Head Coach of the team, Kenneth Grant Stuart, pinpointed that the players are ready for the clash and have put the “distractions” at the back of their minds.
“We know of the distractions but my job is to help these guys prepare and we are ready… the weather has not affected us because we have been able to balance what we do,” Stuart mentioned. In addition, captain, Ryan Gonslaves, who stressed the importance of the team remaining “focus”, did highlight that such situations are very “frustrating” for the players.
“Knowing that this is a team that has been good for a long period it can be frustrating and we need persons to help us, thanks to Banks but somebody needs to help us move forward,” Gonsalves quipped.
Meanwhile, Green noted that he hopes to confirm a venue by the end of Thursday, but added that the Union is pressed for time with Trinidad and Tobago expected in Guyana on Friday morning (June 9).
The game will be on Saturday (June 10) from 16:00h at a venue to be decided with Banks DIH set to put up a number of giveaways for fans.
