The Cayman Islands national men’s under-19 rugby team finished fifth at the 2022 Rugby Americas North U19s Men’s XV tournament after fluctuating results.
The players concluded the tournament in Jamaica, winning two games, losing two and drawing once.
They kicked off gameplay against Mexico on Thursday, 14 July, and claimed a historic 15-7 victory over the Hispanic team. Cayman then went on to lose 29-0 against Bermuda later that day.
“In their second match, we were down a key player in Cam Sinclair (the only player who had played in RAN competition back in 2019) with hamstring strain,” Edward Westin, Cayman’s rugby youth development manager told the Compass.
“A lack of discipline saw Cayman give up too many penalties to Bermuda who utilised their quick backline to run in some tries.”
Cayman returned to the pitch on Friday, 15 July, in a rematch against Mexico, in which they drew 10-10, right before losing 23-0 to USA South, who went on to win the tournament.
However, Cayman secured fifth place after defeating Trinidad and Tobago 15-5 on Sunday, 17 July, in their final game of the tournament.
“Cayman after a restful day at Dunn’s river falls on Saturday, returned to the pitch…with determination and focus,” Westin said about his team’s game against the Trinis.
“Trinidad came out of the gate with pace and intensity, but Cayman did not let that rattle them. They stuck to their game plan and structure and utilised their kicking. Cayman played smart and secure the win claiming 5th place overall.”
Westin went on to say he was “very happy” with the performances of his boys, noting it was a “great learning experience” against top teams in the region.
Next up on Cayman Rugby schedule is the U18 RAN 7s which will be held in Mexico City this November.
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