Big win for Cayman at the Big Game

(CRFU): Mexico’s road to the 2015 Rugby World Cup may have started in Mexico in front of IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset, Rugby World Cup winner and 2015 World Cup Ambassador Lawrence Dallaglio and the William Web Ellis Trophy but that journey ended in George Town on Saturday 21 April at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Cayman Big Game 1, an event featuring junior rugby exhibition matches, the RCIPS marching band, live acts such as Jeffrey Wilson, DJ XS and a host of other local talent came to a climax at 4pm when Cayman kicked off to Mexico in front of an estimated 2000 people with more watching internationally online thanks to www.caymanrugbytv.com. 

Whilst Cayman had recorded wins over Mexico in the country’s rugby infancy in the mid 80’s and in 2001 Mexico, with a population of over 100 million people has seen its Rugby fortunes grow exponentially since the early days and recorded wins over Cayman in 2007 and 2011. That comingled with Mexico’s huge 68-14 win over Jamaica followed by Cayman’s 19-18 shock loss to Jamaica would have made Mexico major favorites to defeat the local boys on home soil.

Mexico started brightly in the game and drew first blood with a penalty to take the score to 3-0 but the floodgate ofpoints opened up for Cayman once Chris Bunce crossed the line to score the opening try for Cayman. Cayman mounted a further 21 points before the Mexicans could find their way to the score board again.

With Cayman dominating the lineout and the Caymanian back line punching holes in the Mexican defense the points kept mounting before Mexico crossed the line once more and slotted one further penalty to bring up 13 points. Cayman on the other hand tallied a total of 7 tries, 4 conversions and 1 penalty to make the final score a whopping 46-13.
The win for Cayman not only ensures that the Islands they remain alive in the Americas qualification process but also results in a six place climb to 68th in the IRB world rankings.

Cayman can now look forward to encounters with Bermuda away on 19 May and Bahamas at home on 26 May in the next phase of the NACRA Championship 2012; the defeat has ended Mexico’s involvement in the qualification process and also seen them slide six places to 76th.

Half time Score: 24-10
Full Time Score: 46-13

Cayman Points:
Try: Chris Bunce, Ben Blair, Vanasio Tokatokavanua (2), Josh Clark, Joel Clark, Simon Crompton,
Conversions: Morgan Hayward (4),
Penalty: Morgan Hayward