Mixed results for TT women, U-19 men

THERE were highs and lows, comprehensive wins and cheap defeats yesterday, for TT women’s team on their first day of action, as well as for the Under-19 men, who competed on the second day of the 2019 Rugby Americas North Superweek two-part tournament.

The U-19 men were first in action and got off to a thrilling start, beating Curacao 40-0 in their final Pool A match, which would earn them a bonus point for scoring four or more tries, and ultimately the runners-up spot in the group. That came with a bit of help from Mexico, who defeated the Cayman Islands.

TT got a scare from the Cayman Islands on Thursday, as they were held to a 5-5 draw.

Despite the strong start, however, the U-19 men faced a much stiffer test at the knock-out stage in regular favourites USA South.

USA South scored first, but TT quickly replied with a first half try, before the Americans stormed back with two tries and a penalty to win the encounter 18-5.

The result meant TT would be left to play for third place tomorrow against Bermuda, who lost to Mexico 17-0 in the other semifinal. The men’s competition will take a break today.

Meanwhile, the women’s team got their title challenge going with a 41-0 win over Curacao.

That result, however, proved to be the only highlight for TT as they closed group play in third spot.

They played twice after their win over Curacao but lost both matches, the first of which was a stunning 17-5 result to underdogs St Lucia, and the second, a demoralising 45-0 defeat to USA South.

St Lucia, who lost by one converted try to USA South in both teams’ opening match, continued their stunning run with a 47-0 win over Curacao, following their earlier victory over TT’s women. St Lucia finished second in the group, behind USA South.

The women’s 10-a-side team, regarded by selectors as a developmental team, will have another shot at the cup as all teams in the two groups have been allocated a spot in today’s quarter-finals.

They will face Mexico Group B runners-up Mexico at 10.30 am. The losing quarter-finalists will move into the plate competition. Both the plate and cup finals will close today's proceedings. The competition ends with the men U-19s placement matches tomorrow.