The Cayman National Rugby Team recently competed in the Northern Caribbean Championships in the Bahamas.
The doubled as the 2007 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
Four countries — Bahamas, Bermuda, Jamaica and Cayman — competed to determine who would go through to the next round, playing the winner of the Southern Caribbean Championships (comprised of teams from Barbados, Guyana, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago).
The arduous format required that each team play three games in seven days.
Cayman’s week started ominously as the designated Match Commissioner appeared to do everything in his power to make life as difficult as possible.
Cayman jumped through several hoops before the whistle even started the first game.
Undeterred, Cayman started well, dominating the Bahamas, and appeared to be in control.
However in the second half Cayman made costly mistakes, enabling the Bahamas to capitalize, turning the game around and winning 23-12.
The Bahamas No. 88 International Rugby Board world ranking against Cayman’s No. 66 meant this was ‘the game that got away’ for Cayman.
On the same day, Jamaica and Bermuda drew 10-10.
Cayman’s second game was against Jamaica, a match for which the national side did their homework, refocusing well after the shock defeat by the Bahamas.
Cayman played a much tighter forward-dominated game, starving the speedy Jamaicans of the ball.
Cayman never relinquished control of the match, winning 18-8.
In the other match of the day, the Bahamas caused the second upset of the tournament, beating Bermuda 24-15.
Cayman’s third and final game was against Bermuda.
Following Cayman’s first historic win against Bermuda two years ago in Hamilton, the team was keen to win again, proving the 2003 victory was no fluke.
Both teams play similar styles of rugby, ensuring a close-fought close affair.
Cayman started stronger, converting early penalties into a 9-0 lead at half time.
Strong defence on both sides limited attacking options, preventing any tries.
Bermuda kicked two penalties in the second half, but Cayman maintained their composure, holding on to win 12-6.
Jamaica defeated the Bahamas 5-3 in the other match of the day.
Cayman and the Bahamas tied for first place with two wins and one loss each; Jamaica finished third with one win, one draw and one loss; and Bermuda took home the wooden spoon with one draw and two losses.
Unfortunately, the tournament format meant that because the Bahamas beat Cayman earlier, Nassau progressed to the next round.
All was not lost for Cayman, however, The two away wins translated into a jump of six spots, to No. 60, in the IRB World Rankings, placing Cayman as the second-highest Caribbean country behind Trinidad & Tobago at No. 51.
It was a tough week, for the squad, which gave its all in every game. As testament to good preparation and post-match recovery efforts, injuries were minimal.
Apart from the players, coach Steve Clark, managers Mat Bishop and Tim Rossiter, doctor Sean Teeling and sponsor Stuart Diamond of Diamond Law Associates are thanked for their assistance both before and during the tournament.
The national squad comprised Richard Adams, Ron Arscott, Tony Attenborough (vc), Jeremy Barton, Will Bruce, Howard Byrne, Simon Cairncross, Brad Cowdroy (c), Peter De Vere, Jonathon Doak, Andre Dons, Alan Flanagan, Alan Forget, Jay Hamilton, Stephen Hannon, Chris Jackson, Campbell Law, Martin Livingston, Stuart McMillan, Peter O’Neill, Adrian Porter, Mark Soto, Mark Stabler, John Wagner and Donnelly Wilson.
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