Cayman Men’s turns up the heat for Ontario team.

(CRFU): The Cayman Men’s U19 squad continued in their winning ways recently with a 2-1 series victory over their visitors from the cold north, Ashbury College, based in Ottawa Ontario. Ashbury College RFC are no strangers toCayman, last visiting in 2005 and no doubt welcoming the warmer weather. The first test match was played on 13th March between the 2 sides, and was a nail biter of a game in which Cayman edged 22-21 with the final play. Cayman were in control of the game in the early stages and by half-time were 17-0 up with scores from Iain Currie (1 try), Angelito Hawkins (1 try) and Michael Peck (1 Penalty, 2 Conversions). A change in personnel from Ashbury in the second half saw some bullish runs from the bigger Ashbury forwards to rack up 21 unanswered points.

With the final play of the game, Cayman were awarded a penalty 10 yards from the Ashbury line, which they knew would not be enough. Iain Currie made a last ditch solo effort from a tap penalty, broke through 3 tackles and scored in the corner to earn the Cayman boys a 1 point win.

The 2^nd Test between the sides (16th March) was expected to be an even tougher affair for the Caymanians as the strong 2^nd half performance by the Ashbury Colts in the first test should have given the Colts all the confidence needed to march out an early lead against Cayman and hold onto it for 40 minutes.

The game didn’t go exactly to plan however as after 40 minutes neither team found their way on the score board. Cayman did have chances to cross the try line but some poor decision making played into the hands of the Ashbury defense, leaving the half-time score at 0-0. Ashbury’s persistence paid off yet again in the second half as 19 unanswered points meant that Cayman would have to play much smarter rugby in order to climb a very steep hill to take the series 2-0,  but only a lone Miles Campbell try would be a consolation score for the local boys. Final score Cayman 5-19 Ashbury.

With all to play for in the final Test on 19th March, it was no surprise that the game was yet again a close one, in which Cayman edged out winners 14-12, the deciding factor between the 2 teams being the missed conversion from Ashbury’s first try.

The Series win was a real test for the Cayman Boys who, having won the last Caribbean Championship have lost many players who are now too old to play at this age level. With many top players based in schools overseas, coaches Noel Phillips and Gary Southway are well placed to retain the trophy with knowledge that the talent base living and playing in Cayman at this age level is very strong.

Photos: Caroline Deegan