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Guyana defeated Trinidad & Tobago 24-17 on Saturday. The physical contest saw the Green Machine defending their Rugby Americas North – South Zone title at the St. Stanislaus College ground on Carifesta Avenue.
The stereotypical high scoring match was not to be. Instead the match was played in less than ideal running-rugby conditions. With mud being a factor for both competing teams, the game was quite the war of attrition.
The visitors from Trinidad & Tobago started strongly. Crossing in the 9th minute was James Phillips. Guyana hit back to cancel out the try and take the lead.
The Green Machine crossed for 16th and 19th minute tries. Richard Staglon and Avery Corbin were the scorers. Captain Ryan Gonsalves converted one of the tries to give Guyana a 12-5 advantage.
In the second half the Guyana forwards provided quality go-forward ball. This led to the opening score of the second half. Scoring was Ahmad Isaacs who took Guyana’s lead to 12 points.
Trinidad & Tobago worked to claw there way back. Their fight-back, though, took a long time to come.Karlon Alexander crossed in the 73rd minute. With Johnson Allen adding the conversion the score was now 17-12 to Guyana.
Guyana looked to Corbin in response. He broke tackles and darted his way down the field from inside his own half to score. The 78th minute try was converted by Gonsalves.
A try in overtime by Trinidad & Tobago by Samuel Roberts completed the scoring. Guyana are now preparing to face Mexico in three weeks time.
