Despite injury concerns and the inclement weather, the national 15s rugby squad is forging ahead with their preparations for their NACRA senior men’s Southern Caribbean Championship away game versus Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday.
During yesterday’s practice session at the waterlogged National Park rugby field involving the 22-man national team, the ruggers worked on offensive and defensive rucks as well as their set plays that hampered them during their 19-17 comeback win against Barbados last week at the Providence National Stadium.
“We are pretty banged up but we are remaining positive ahead of the Trinidad game,” said captain Ryan Gonsalves who sustained a minor hip flexor tear in the game against Barbados.
“We have some slight injuries to important players like myself (Dwayne) Schroeder and (Ronald) Mayers and the rain is affecting our preparation but despite those factors we are still upbeat and confident of beating Trinidad on their home turf,” he added.
Saturday’s game will be played at the St. Mary’s Ground in Port-of-Spain. A victory over Trinidad will see Guyana retaining the South Zone title.
“We really need to tidy up some mistakes especially the unforced errors before we go to Trinidad because we don’t want to be playing behind in their backyard,” Gonsalves added.
“We know it would not be an easy game and we cannot drop the ball at the three-quarter line like we did against Barbados, we also have to revisit our technique.
“I think our scrum was a bit too high and that caused us to be pushed around by the bigger Bajans which led to many penalties. We are giving it our all and we will make Guyana proud and keep the flag flying high,” he assured.
Schroeder is nursing a sore hamstring while Mayers is rehabbing a twisted ankle.
The national team will wing out on Thursday morning and return on Sunday.
Guyana’s 22-man squad is Gonsalves (captain), Christopher Singh, Claudius Butts, Kevon David, Elwin Chase, Delroy Gordon, Rondell Mc Arthur, Schroeder, Rickford Cummings, Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Carl Lewis, Richard Staglon, Meyers, Jacques Archibald, Jason Tyrell, Cloyd Prowell, Dillon Downer, Lancelot Adonis, Grantley Williams, Akeem Fraser and Breon Walks.
