Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 11, 2011 Sports
Guyana’s performance in the Pan Am Games in Mexico a few weeks ago was not up to the expectations of Guyana Rugby Federation Union President, Kit Nascimento and was also the biggest disappointment in his rugby life and career.
According to the President, Guyana entered the games ranked at sixth position and left at eighth position which indicates the gap of Guyana’s rugby at the International meet.
Guyana being the best rugby team in the Caribbean managed to gain 38 points throughout the competition which meant that team’s performance was not to the standards of their opponents.
Nascimento said some of the professional players aided in the team performing the way they did as they were seriously let down by Dominic Lespierre a starting player of the team. Lespierre had arrived with an injury which resulted in the team starting the tournament with eleven players.
Kevin McKenzie was also one of the leading players in the group that was not able to play at his full potential as he was not 100 percent fit since he was not playing rugby regularly in Australia.
Nascimento when on to say that the injuries the players had hampered the entire team as they were forced to play with ten men instead of twelve due to Dwayne Schroeder’s injury in the third game, “…the point is at the level of Caribbean Championships we can get away with that sort of things but at an International level we will not be able to do so.”
Nascimento also commended the local players on their fitness level as they surpassed the professional player’s level of fitness.
He noted that another major factor which contributed to the team’s poor performance was the fact of the team’s first practice session with all of its players was nine days before the competition was scheduled to start, which is not enough time to fine tune some of the errs in the team.
The Head Coach Theodore Henry thought that the team’s performance at the game was a positive performance as they were able to better their performance against USA since they were one try away from creating an upset.
Henry added that the Guyana’s National Rugby team needs more exposure as it will assist tremendously in uplifting the player’s game, “I think if the playing field is level between Guyana and the other countries, we will be able to get the experience and exposure required to compete at these International meets…and it was evident in the games that we have the potential, however we will be looking to defend our title in our upcoming meet in Barbados this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Guyana’s men and female teams are confident in defending their title for the 6th and 4th years respectively at the NACRA Championships in Barbados.
The men’s captain Ryan Gonsalves stated that the team’s preparation for the game is in line and they will be entering the game with a different approach as they discovered their weaknesses after playing in the Pan Am Championships.
Guyana men’s team will play BVI as the females will be vying against Mexico in their opening game.
The players are as follows: Males: Ryan Gonsalves (Cap), Walter George, Avery Corbin, Theodore Henry, Claudius Butts, Kevin McKenzie, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Elwin Chase, Valon Adams and R. Stanley.
Females: Sabola Grey (Cap), Grace Jarvis, Deshaun Josiah, Nikita Davis, Shabana Daniels, Andrea Lashley, Sheanel Daniels, Carrin Skeete, Fiona Ward, Colette Hope, Tricia Monroe and Princessa Wilkie.
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