Trinidad and Tobago exacted revenge on Saturday, crushing Guyana 26-3 in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s rematch at the Guyana Defence Force Ground, Camp Ayanganna.
Guyana, who had triumphed 24-23 in the away leg, was stunned by their rivals’ dominant display. Godfrey Broomes’ penalty in the seventh minute was their only score, a stark contrast to Trinidad and Tobago’s clinical performance.
Ruairi O’Farrell missed a golden penalty chance for Trinidad and Tobago early on, but Guyana’s lead proved temporary. Sustained pressure in the Guyanese half saw Jonathan Taylor score their first try in the 33rd minute, handing them the lead (5-3).
Despite a promising run from Owen Adonis in the second half, Trinidad and Tobago continued to dictate the pace. Anderson Joseph extended their lead with a try in the 52nd minute before adding another ten minutes later to complete a brace (15-3).
Guyana’s best opportunity came from a Lionel Holder run, but the Trinidadian defense held firm. Christopher Hutson converted two penalties in the final ten minutes for Trinidad and Tobago, further solidifying their lead (21-3).
Joseph sealed the emphatic victory with his third try in the match’s dying moments.
“We have to go back to the drawing board,” conceded Ryan Dey, president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union, in a post-match interview.
Acknowledging the need for improvement, Dey emphasized their commitment to developing their young players in the 15s format, while also highlighting the importance of immediate preparation for the upcoming RAN Sevens tournament in Trinidad scheduled for late November.
Guyana has a formidable history in Sevens, having clinched the title eight times.
This defeat likely means Guyana will have to travel to Barbados for their next RAN 15s fixture, as the top-ranked team enjoys a home advantage.
