‘Green Machine’ going for CAC gold in Colombia

The Senior National Male Rugby team, commonly known as the ‘Green Machine’, have one objective as they head to Colombia for the Central America and Caribbean Games (CAC Games), and that is to win gold.

In 2010 they did it; they won gold when they defeated Jamaica 31-7 at the National Stadium, Providence. It was sweet joy and still stands as the lone team gold medal at the Games since 1926.

Since that great hurrah they have not attended another CAC Games and for that reason, captain of the team, Dwayne Schroeder, speaking to News Room Sport at Wednesday’s departure, contented they see themselves as “defending champions” and want to play with the Golden Arrow Head pride on their chest.

“We got in mind that we are the defending champions for CAC since we never got a chance to play back after 2010, so we are going to bring back gold for Guyana”, he stated.

Schroeder, who is also a sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force, further noted that the senior players would need to “rise to the occasion” and guide the newbies.

The captain was there when they last savoured success and for him the love for the sport drives him to never give up.

Returning to coach the team is Lawrence Adonis, who, from a tactical standpoint, felt they have covered most areas of preparation, despite not having any structured training facility. Adonis also wants to capitalise on the extra time they have in Barranquilla since they play their play their first match on August 1 against Costa Rica. Their other group members are the host, Colombia and Mexico.

The full team reads: Dwayne Schroeder (Captain), Claudius Butts, Avery Corbin, Richard Staglon, Peabo Hamilton, Patrick King, Ronald Mayers, Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes, Rondel McArthur and Ryan Gonsalves.