Guyana’s senior rugby team, the ‘Green Machine,’ faced a heavy defeat of 48-17 to the Cayman Islands, raising questions about the team’s future. The loss follows a disappointing performance against Trinidad and Tobago. President Dr. Irfaan Ali attended the match, offering support. Tyrese Prescod shone with two tries in the second half, but it was not enough to prevent the loss. Guyana aims to bounce back against Barbados on May 17th.
The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) is grappling with the challenging task of reviving its senior men’s national team, once known as the formidable ‘Green Machine.’ A recent, tough defeat of 48-17 against the Cayman Islands serves as a jarring reminder of the extensive work that lies ahead for the team. This loss follows a previous setback to Trinidad and Tobago, where Guyana suffered a 26-3 defeat in June, stirring concern among rugby enthusiasts in the nation.
The match took place at the National Park, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali in attendance, who took the time to greet the teams before the game. He expressed his commitment to supporting rugby in Guyana during these challenging times. From the outset, it was clear that the Cayman Islands were in command. They dominated the field from the first whistle, leaving the ‘Green Machine’ struggling to keep pace.
The early momentum favored the Cayman Islands as Doran Bryce scored the first try in the ninth minute, although Alexander Claybourn’s conversion was unsuccessful. This initial score set a challenging tone for the first half. By the 15th minute, Zachary Brooks added another try, successfully converted by Claybourn, fortifying their lead.
As the match progressed, the Cayman side maintained control, ending the first half with a daunting score of 31-3, which left Guyana visibly shaken. However, the second half introduced a glimmer of hope for the local supporters. Despite the seemingly insurmountable deficit, Guyana’s fullback Tyrese Prescod ignited a spark, becoming pivotal in their scoring efforts.
Prescod showcased remarkable skill, managing to score two tries and completing a successful conversion, which invigorated the home crowd. Unfortunately, despite his standout performance, it was simply not enough to catch the Cayman Islands, who continued to widen the gap.
Looking to the future, the Guyanese team is eager for redemption as they prepare for an upcoming match against Barbados on May 17th. This fixture is particularly crucial, as the teams compete for vital rankings within Rugby Americas North.
The recent match between Guyana and the Cayman Islands highlighted significant challenges facing the Guyana Rugby Football Union. Despite a promising second-half performance led by Tyrese Prescod, the team’s early struggles resulted in a heavy defeat. With keen eyes on the upcoming match against Barbados, the GRFU has a pivotal opportunity to improve and strive for better results in future competitions.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
