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The USA South have been Crowned Champions of Rugby Americas North (RAN) u19’s. The team won today’s final, toppling Mexico 19-6. In doing so the USA South made it back-to-back titles. In the 2016 final the USA South also defeated Mexico. In 2015 Mexico won the final against the USA South.
This year’s Rugby Americas North (RAN) men’s U19s tournament was played at Vizcaya Park in Miami, Florida. Taking place from July 15-22, it was part of the RAN Super Week. Additional activities included the RAN Women’s 10’s which was won by Trinidad & Tobago.
The Men’s u19’s featured eight competitors. They were Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, USA South ‘A’ and USA South ‘B’.
The USA South ‘A’ Men’s u19’s not only were crowned champions but went through the tournament undefeated. En route to reaching the Final the USA South defeated Jamaica, 47-0, Bermuda 54-0 and Mexico 19-6.
In the bronze medal match, Trinidad & Tobago beat Bermuda 38-3. The USA Rugby South B won 5th place 59-3 over Jamaica, while Cayman Islands beat Turks & Caicos 21-10 for 7th place.
In earlier matches prior to the final Trinidad & Tobago defeated Bermuda 38-3 to claim Bronze. The USA South ‘B’ finished in 5th position thanks to a dominant 59-3 win over Jamaica. On Friday the Cayman Islands completed a 21-10 win over the Turks & Caicos Islands to claim 7th position.
In the Cup Final the USA South started the better side, going 5-0 up. Calvin Gentry was the try scoring, crossing in the corner. Santiago Maya responded for Mexico, landing a penalty to open Las Serpientes’ account.
A second penalty from Mexico gave them the lead. The USA South was constantly on the wrong side of the referee which inevitably led to a yellow card. With Justin Johnson off the field Maya made it 6-5. It could have been 9-5 only for Maya to miss a subsequent strike.
In the final minutes of the opening half the USA South regained the lead. Crossing for their second try was Jack Freixa. With Olie Kennett’s conversion the scores were 12-6 at half time.
The USA South opened the second half by marching towards victory. A yellow card to Fernando Luna meant Mexico had their backs against the wall. When Calvin Gentry crossed the USA South led 19-6.
Mexico had no means of fighting back and therefore lost control. With ill discipline taking over a third player was yellow carded. This time it was Santiago Mayo, the second player in trouble for committing a dangerous tackle.
Late opportunities for both sides did not result in points. With it the USA South successfully completed back-to-back titles.
