The Barbados national 15s rugby squad arrived here yesterday for their 2016 Rugby Americas North (RAB) championships which is a precursor for the 2019 World Cup and wasted no time in claiming the underdog tag against the hosts.
However, the visitors will be gunning for a victory despite lacking the pedigree and silverware of their more celebrated counterparts. Team Barbados is here on a quest to turn that around by upsetting the recently indestructible ‘Green Machine’.
Following their arrival at the Ogle International Airport, Coach of the Barbados side, Romeo Mayers, stated that it would be the “ultimate challenge in defeating Guyana at home” but it is possible.
“I believe anything is possible but I will leave everything on the pitch. I don’t know how the day will turn out but we don’t come to play not to win, we play to expect a positive result.”
Today’s match at the National Park comes in the aftermath of Guyana drubbing the visitors 48-22 last year at the same venue.
Keys to victory?
“Team work” said Mayers. “That is the main thing, the players supporting each other and having each other’s back.”
Meanwhile, Laurie Adonis, coach of the national outfit told media operatives on Wednesday his charges are “fit and ready” since they have been training intensely in recent weeks
Kick off time for today’s encounter is 16:00hrs.
After the national team open their Rugby America’s North (RAN) campaign this afternoon, the 2014 NACRA 15’s champions then tackle Jamaica on May 21 and Trinidad on June 19.
Once the national team is victorious in the above encounters, they will play the winner of the Northern Zone for the overall RAN title and move onto other Qualifiers in a bid for a World Cup berth. Patrons are encouraged to wear yellow or green in support of the national ruggers. (Emmerson Campbell)
Guyana (The Green Machine) National Men’s Squad
Forwards Club
Jason Tyrell Hornets
Rondel Mcarthur University Of Guyana
Rickrord Cummings Hornets
Kevon David Yamaha Caribs
Jose Felicien Hornets
Dwayne Schroder Guyana Defence Force
Jamal Angus University Of Guyana
Richard Staglon Yamaha Caribs/Caribs Rfc Trinidad
Jacques Archibald University Of Guyana
Delroy Gordon Hornets
Fabian Joseph University Of Guyana
Treavin Selman University Of Guyana
Backs
Ryan Gonsalves Hornets
Pebo Hamilton Hornets/Trinidad Northerns
Dane Parks Hornets/Trinidad Northerns
Lancelot Adonis University Of Guyana
Triton Brathwaite Guyana Defence Force
Avery Corbin Guyana Defence Force
Ronald Mayers Hornets/Trinidad Northerns
Patrick King Guyana Defence Force
Leon Greaves Hornets
Godfrey Brooms University Of Guyana
Ryan Dey University Of Guyana
Reserves
Keifer Lopez University Of Guyana
Elwin Chase Hornets
Tobby David Hornets
N.B In 2014 Guyana beat Barbados and obtained its highest rank of 56 in World Rugby. The team has maintained their posture as they are ranked 55 currently after falling from 54, while Barbados rank 77 falling from 76.
