T&T beat Jamaica in Rugby W/Cup openerhttp://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160423/sports/tt-beat-jamaica-in-rugby-wcup-openerIt was Calypso versus Reggae as the Trinidad and Tobago ruggermen got their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign to the ideal start, coming out 34-14 winners despite being made to work hard in the second half for their victory against regional rivals Jamaica at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva yesterday.
T&T raced into a commanding lead as they closed off the first half with a 22-0 lead; however, the hosts spent a significant portion of the second period in their own half as Jamaica turned the screws and managed to finally get some points on the board as the match wound down to a close.
The men in red, white and black started their quest for an opening win deep in enemy territory, as they applied pressure from early on against the Jamaicans.
The “Calypso Ruggers” as they are fondly known in some circles, did not waste time getting on the scoresheet when vice-captain Joseph Quashie scored a try after he received a pass from right centre Agboola Silverthorn in the 16th minute.
Omari Doyle scored T&T's second try two minutes later, when he used his speed to good measure, on the right flank.
T&T's skipper Adam Frederick scored another try in the 22nd minute to bring the score to 15-0 for the hosts.
The Jamaicans spent much of the first period trying to keep the hosts at bay, using some full-blooded tackles in the process.
Both teams exchanged some heated tackling and as the half wore on, the injuries piled up. Jamaica's Everton Richards was eventually subbed off for Andrew Hylton.
T&T managed to bring the score up to 22-0 at the interval, when fly half Leon Pantor was released after an inter-passing move which started after a ruck in the centre. Moments later, scrum half Johnasson Alleyne scored a conversion to bring the score up to 22-0 at the break.
The hosts added seven more points after the resumption, with Quashie notching his second try (27-0) and Pantor completing the conversion (29-0).
In the 72nd minute, Jamaica finally got on the scoresheet in an arduous second half when Antonio Baker bundled over the line for a try. Hylton scored from a conversion moments later to make the score 29-7.
Three minutes later, T&T's eternal rivals were at it again when Orien Smith scored another try and their skipper followed up with a conversion of his own to bring their tally up to 14 with five minutes remaining.
The hosts would have the last say in the thrilling contest however, as Kieshon Walker appeared from deep to receive a pass and battle his way to his first try since coming off the bench to push his team to 34 points and the eventual victory.
T&T will head over to Barbados in their next qualifier on May 21 to take on the hosts in their second match.