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On Saturday afternoon in the Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago saw off Jamaica in a Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifier, coming out on top 34-14 winners.
Trinidad and Tobago started strongly, racing out to a dominant 22-0 lead. The opening points came in the 16th minute with vice-captain Joseph Quashie crossing a try after receiving a pass from outside-center Agboola Silverthorn.
Two minutes later Trinidad and Tobago were over again when Omari Doyle used his speed to good to run down the right flank and score his team’s second try.
Captain Adam Frederick got in on the act shortly thereafter. His 22nd minute try made it a 15-0 early lead. The scoreline could have been 21-0 had Trinidad and Tobago been able to convert their tries.
A defiant Jamaica would not give in with the western Caribbean island nation putting in solid defense. Their hard-hitting tackles showed their guts and determination but they were not enough to hold off what was an impressive display by Trinidad and Tobago.
Penalties from scrum half Johnasson Alleyne brought the scoreline to 22-0 at the interval. The hosts then starter superbly with a second try by Quashie making it 27-0. Leon Pantor’s conversion took it out to 29-0.
With time running out Jamaica troubled the scorers. A 72nd minute try by Antonio Baker made it 29-7 before a second effort three minutes later added respectability to the scoreline. Orien Smith’s late try face Jamaica 14 points with five minute left to play.
Any hope of an additional raid was ended by the hosts when replacementKieshon Walker ran from the deep to score the game’s final try and bring Trinidad and Tobago’s total by to 34 points.
Trinidad and Tobago will be in action again on May 21. Their second Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifier will be away to Barbados.
