Venezuela Completes Impressive Win over Peru

Venezuela enjoyed a dream start to their South American B Championship campaign, defeating Peru 33-8 this afternoon.

A solid first half effort laid the foundation for victory. After a scoreless opening quarter Venezuela opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. A penalty from fly half Roberto Schaefer was cancelled out by Felipe Suarez. The 3-3 scoreline would be as close as Peru would come to victory.

The game’s opening try came in the 30th minute. Las Orquídeas scored through fullback Larry Brito. Schaefer added the conversion and also landed his second penalty shortly thereafter. This gave Venezuela a ten point lead.

Ill discipline from the Venezuelans led to a yellow card. Brito’s 39th minute temporary suspension offered Peru an opportunity though no points would result.

The second half began well for the visitors. In the 46th minute flanker Ulises Andara crossed for a well taken try. It added pressure to the Peruvians who were subsequently punished for their own discipline concerns.

With Diego Diaz watching from the sidelines Venezuela went over for their third try. It was scored by Schaefer who also added the conversion. Five minutes later Schaefer was on the scoresheet again, this time adding a penalty.

With Las Orquídeas in control at 28-3 both teams opted for replacements. The teams exchanged tries to complete the scoring. Venezuela also had a second player yellow carded.

The result is of extreme note for Venezuela. Despite being historically better than Peru the 2015 fixture saw Peru coming out on top. On that occasion Los Tumis defeated Las Orquídeas 24-10.

The match was the second of two first round matches in the tournament. Earlier on in the day Colombia demonstrated why they are favorites as they defeated Ecuador 75-5. The results from today set up round two fixtures on Wednesday. Colombia will face Peru in one match and Peru will face Ecuador in the other.

The 2016 South American B Championship doubles as Rugby World Cup qualification. The winner of the tournament will advance to face Mexico in the next round. Mexico earned their place in repechage by winning the Rugby Americas North Final against Guyana on Saturday.

Scorers
Peru
Try: Lotomayor
Penalty: Felipe Suarez
Yellow Card: Diaz

Venezuela
Try: Brito, Andara, Schaefer, Onkolich
Conversion: Schaefer (2)
Penalty: Schaefer (3)
Yellow Card: Brito, Gutierrez

Peru
1 Gonzalo Mansilla, 2 Luis Tejeda, 3 Esteban Figuerola, 4 Mirco Kivalic, 5 Giorgio Crolle, 6 Carlos Lotomayor, 7 Diego Diaz, 8 Christian Onkolich, 9 Juan del Pino, 10 Daniel Cino, 11 Felipe Suarez, 12 Esteban Salmon, 13 Diego Suarez, 14 Pedro Etchebarne, 15 José Papeja

Replacements: 16 Gustavo Escanes, 17 Eduardo Diaz, 18 Michael Aromato, 19 Carlos García, 20 Martín Borgioli, 21 Sebastián del Ministro, 22 Andre Orquieto, 23 Girgis Morote

Head Coach: Javier Darminetti

Venezuela
1  José Gutierrez, 2 Eduardo Hernández, 3 Robert Torres, 4 Juan Lopez, 5 Luis Lopez, 6 Carlos Cañizález, 7 Ulises Andara, 8 Luis Zandra, 9 Ramón Ruiz, 10 Roberto Schaefer, 11 Rene Monasterios, 12 Alfmarx Marquez, 13 Wickinson Arrieta, 14 Jene Rojas, 15 Larry Brito

Replacements: 16 Rannel Barrios, 17 Luis Zabala, 18 Lisandro Espinoza, 19 Ajorubal Figueroa, 20 Yender  Marrupo, 21 Daniel Duran, 22 Nestór Aguirrre, 23 José Dija

Head Coach: Marion Ordaneta