Solid Mexico Overpower Cayman Islands

A solid showing from Mexico saw Las Serpientes overpowering the Cayman Islands on Saturday. Mexico were 45-14 winners in the end of year fixture. It marks a 2024 double after Mexico were 20-10 winners over the Cayman Islands in June.

The June test match saw Mexico powering out to a 20-03 lead only to not score again. This time, however, Mexico started and ended well, scoring points in the final play of the contest. Las Serpientes did so at home. The June fixture took place in George Town while the rematch was at the Deportivo Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City.

Las Serpientes established an early lead. A penalty goal was followed by a try with the mid-field defense split wide-open. The Cayman Islands hit-back with a try of their own. It was a mix of skill and good fortune as the Caymans’ overthrew their own lineout 5 meters out from Mexico’s line. The result was a try.

The first-half concluded with the Cayman Islands taking the lead. Following an attacking scrum, play went left and the Caymans’ came away with a try under the posts. The conversion put the visitors’ 14-10 ahead just before half-time.

Las Serpientes came out firing in the second-half. They reclaimed the lead with a try following a pass off the deck. With it, Mexico were 17-14 ahead. The next score put Mexico in firm control. It came after the home side punished the Cayman’s inability to cover a deep kick. Mexican pressure turned over the ball and with a came another try.

Emilio Sánchez was a stand-out performer for Las Serpientes. He scored against for Mexico almost immediately after the re-start. Mexico attacked down the left and quickly got into a scoring position. Quick recycling and the use of width saw Sánchez over down the right side.

Mexico were 31-14 ahead before the end of the third quarter. The Cayman Islands had a good fire minute period in response but came away without scoring points. Mexico punished them in response with another score down the right side. The final try saw flanker Nicolás Falcón rewarded for a strong performance. His try was followed by a conversion and the full-time whistle.

It was only Mexico’s fourth test match since the pandemic. Like the three other fixtures during this period, Saturday’s match was also against the Cayman Islands. World Rugby excluded Mexico, and the region, from Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Only Canada and the USA are involved and will compete in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup.

Mexico’s win will see gains in the World Rankings. Before the match started Mexico were 42nd on 47.09 points compare to the Cayman Islands in 50th on 44.23 points.

Click Here for the Complete Match.