Paraguay see off Mexico in Americas Rugby Challenge Opener

Paraguay defeated Mexico 45-36 today in the opening contest of the inaugural Americas Rugby Challenge. Played in Medellín, Colombia Los Yácares converted a 22-19 half time lead into a nine point victory. Playing in the unfamiliar blue away strip, Paraguay were tested early and late but dominated the middle, notably the third quarter of the match.

A brilliant performance from playmaker Sergio Alvarenga began early. He crossed for the game’s opening try which was converted by Sebastián Urbieta. Mexico hit back with Juan Pablo Martínez scoring his first of two tries for the match. With Franco Guerrero landing the conversion the teams were tied at 7-7.

Both opening tries were cases of the attacking team easily gaining territory and maintaining possession. The same recipe would repeat itself with regularity. Paraguay’s second try went to Sebastián Urbieta to put Los Yácares five points clear.

Mexico quickly cancelled it out and gained the lead. Las Serpientes did so thanks to Martínez crossing for his second. With Guerrero’s conversion successful Mexico went ahead by two. The lead was extended when Rodrigo Ripoll scored next for the Mexicans. But 19-12 would not last as Paraguay hit-back swiftly through Carlos Plate. Urbieta landed the conversion to level the scores.

With the first half coming to a close Paraguay went three points ahead thanks to a penalty to Alvarenga. Paraguay’s star performer would also open the second half scoring. His second try gave Paraguay a 10-point lead. Paraguay went further clear with Alvarenga landing his first of two second half drop goals. He also converted Plate’s second try to see Paraguay holding a commanding 39-19 lead.

Mexico were able to cut the lead to 17 through a penalty but Alvarenga’s second drop goal restored Paraguay’s lead to 20 points. Alvarenga would land a late penalty to finish his scoring at 22 points. The Serpientes finished off the match on a high by scoring the final two tries. They were scored by Tomás Allen. and Jesús Mayorquín. Franco Guerrero converted both.

Paraguay and Mexico are both to play again on Wednesday. Paraguay will be looking for back-to-abc wins when they take-on Guyana. Mexico will be up against the hosts, Colombia.

 

SCORING

PARAGUAY 45
Tries – S. Alvarenga 2 (8’, 46’), S. Urbieta (18’), C. Plate 2 (38’, 56’)
Cons – S. Urbieta 2/3 (9’, 39’), S. Alvarenga 2/2 (47’, 57’)
Pens – S. Urbieta 0/2, S. Alverenga 2/3 (40’, 74’)
Drop goals – S. Alvarenga 2/2 (51’, 67’)

MEXICO 36
Tries – J. Martínez 2 (16’, 22’), R. Ripoll (32’), T. Allen (69’), F. Guerrero (78’)
Cons – F. Guerrero 4/5 (17’, 23’, 70’, 79’)
Pens – F. Guerrero 1/1 (60’)

 

TEAMS

PARAGUAY
1 Emilio Gorostiaga (17 Santiago Cabrera 68’), 2 Juan Gavigán (16 César De Brix 51’), 3 Martín Sitjar (18 Daniel Cabral 47’), 4 Álvaro Báez (19 Leonardo Glizt 47’), 5 Mariano Garcete, 6 Carlos Plate (20 Alfredo Brusquetti 61’), 7 Enrique Riera, 8 Gonzalo Alvarado, 9 Gastón Navas, 10 Sergio Alvarenga, 11 Renato Cardona (21 Fabrizio Cabrera 61’), 12 Diego Argaña (capt.), 13 Sebastián Urbieta (22 Héctor Gayoso 61’), 14 Juan González (23 Camilo Orrego 51’), 15 Horacio Agüero

MEXICO
1 Esteban Viñas (17 Jorge Cortés 59’), 2 Mizael Loredo (16 Adolfo Acevedo 59’), 3 Maximiliano Douek (capt.), 4 Abubacar Conde (19 Jesús Mayorquin 68’), 5 Tomas Allen, 6 Joaquín Altamirano (18 Alan Gutierrez 59’), 7 Manuel Nievas, 8 Simon Pierre, 9 José Peña (21 Carlos Fernández 42’), 10 Mauricio Moreno, 11 Porfirio Cocolotl (23 Angel López 70’), 12 Juan Pablo Martínez, 13 Luc Martin (22 Diego Hidalgo 59’), 14 Franco Guerrero, 15 Rodrigo Ripoll

Not used: 20 Gabriele Nanni