Costa Rica defeat Panama with record score

Costa Rica made history on Saturday by defeating Panama by a record scoreline of 95-3. The win was the biggest ever in the history of Costa Rican rugby and sees Los Guarias finishing the South American C Championship on a high after losing against Guatemala in round one.

The loss against Los Jaguares of Guatemala shook up the South American C Championship, ultimately sending Costa Rica into the third place play-off against Panama. This was the case despite Costa Rica recovering to defeat El Salvador in round two but the points differential cost Los Guarias a place in the final.

In winning the Bronze Final and also defeating El Salvador during the week Costa Rica finished the tournament with two wins from three matches, one more win than El Salvador. For this reason Costa Rica finished as the second placed side.

Saturday evening’s win over Panama broke the record set in 2005 when Costa Rica defeated Los Diablos of Panama 60-0. It also puts some of the ghosts to rest after Costa Rica suffered a 95-0 loss against Brazil in 2006.

Overall Costa Rica has not been as competitive as it had been in prior years. Since the creation of the South American C Championship in 2012 Costa Rica has dropped in comparison to its peers. Los Guarias won the competition in 2012 and finished second in 2013. That year Ecuador won promotion to the South American B Championship. This year Ecuador faced Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.