By Calvin Roberts
Tournament hosts Guyana find themselves in a must-win situation when they oppose Jamaica in the final round of the Demlife/Tropical Rhythm-sponsored North America West Indies Rugby Association (NAWIRA) Women’s 15-a-side Rugby tournament which climaxes at the National Park, tomorrow.
Having defeated debutantes Cayman Islands by a 41-0 margin in their first round encounter, the hosts were then held to a five- all draw by Trinidad, the youngest team in the competition.
That outcome can be deemed a setback taking into consideration that the Jamaicans had escaped with a 12-7 victory over the Cayman Islands earlier in the day.
Guyana and Trinidad are locked at the top of the table with five points each whilst number-one ranked Jamaica are on four and The Cayman Islands two.
However, the Guyanese have a plus four goal difference compared with the Trinidadians plus two and need to come away with a victory against the Jamaicans tomorrow, if they are to come out on top in the tournament as the possibility of The Cayman Islands defeating Trinidad is similar to that of carrying water in a basket.
In order to do so, they must stick to their game plan and execute it to precision.
In their last encounter against Trinidad, winger Abigail Tinnis hardly featured in the encounter as her team mates were not given the opportunity to get the ball to her, a fact acknowledged by coach Alton Agard.
“We did not execute our game plan effectively and even the wingers were not featuring in the game. The one time such occurred, we capitalized by scoring a try. I would like to see the game plan being stuck to and executed.”
Agard added:“We made too many mistakes and such a feat cannot be repeated against a powerful team like Jamaica. However, I am looking forward to our meeting with them which will definitely decide the winner of this tournament.”
Another sign of concern for Agard would be the erratic performance of full back Andrea Lashley who at times was rushing the plays all to no avail.
Her kicking was also off and she will be expected to walk with her `A’ game if the hosts are to get past the mighty Jamaicans who will definitely be looking to run over their host.
Guyana can only blame themselves for the draw against a young Trinidad team that has an age average of 19.
They fought valiantly but were complacent at times especially when in positions to win loose balls and should be looking to improve their performance.
The Jamaicans on the other hand will be looking to come away with a victory over the host in order to maintain their status as the number one ranked female team in this part of the rugby world.
To this effect, their front row that consists of Trishana Wilson, Dawn Reece and Nicola Brissett should be looking to destroy the strong defence that is on display so far for Guyana throughout this tournament.
Their wingers in Daicea Gilroy, who had a wonderful game against Trinidad in the opening match along with Carole Kelly should be looking to apply pressure to the Guyanese as well.
Captain and scrum half Lisa Frazer can be expected to continue her resilient showing in the centre for her team.
This match up will commence at 1600hrs and rugby fans irrespective of their age can expect a keenly contested encounter between the two top teams.
The Trinidad/Cayman Islands clash is not one to be left out as the Cayman Islands have been improving as the tournament progresses even scoring their first try against the defending champions Jamaica in their second round encounter. Guyana will be relying heavily on the Cayman Islands upsetting the Trinidadians.
Their full back Olive MacDonagh had the distinct opportunity of achieving the first try for her country and will be looking to continue in the same vain as when the final whistle went in their clash against Jamaica.
Even though they did not came out as victors, they displayed a relentless attack on their opponents even forcing scrums in their own half. Sumari Nande and Jane Robinson in the locks position will be providing amicable support to MacDonagh.
Captain Gill Comins converted the try and like her counterpart from Trinidad Juliana Straker will be looking to carry the fight for her team and spring a welcome upset.
Trinidad proved they are no pushovers despite not being the strongest team in the tournament. Straker has been displaying a never say die in her attitude and her players seemed to have catch onto same like a flu bug.
Against Jamaica, they carried the fight even when they were down to come out victorious. With nothing to lose and much to gain in their match against Guyana, the Twin Island Republic ladies showed to all and sundry that even though they are the smallest team in size and age, they are still capable of handling their own.
They fought hard with their host winning 95% of the loose balls and during the throw ins which Guyana lost 99% of prior to rotating Makita Davis for Grace Jarvis to do same, Trinidad won each one to add to their dominance with the scrums when given such by the referee.
Sojourner Hyles-Lewis displayed a big heart for her team and although the Guyanese brought her down on numerous occasions, her ability to carry the ball into her opponents half was vital with such a move realizing a try being scored.
This is another matchup fans can look forward to as the ever improving Cayman Islands will be looking to secure their first win in the competition.
With three points being awarded for a win, two for a draw and a losing team walking away with a point, the tournament champions can go either between Jamaica, Trinidad and host Guyana.
