nov.15.2009

Trinidad and Tobago’s sevens rugby team stunned Mexico 31-5 to finish top of Group B and advance to the quarter-finals of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Championships currently underway in Mexico.

T&T will play Cayman Islands in quarter-final number three today.

In the final game in Pool B yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago players were quicker off the mark, which led to the Calypso Warriors leading 19-nil at half -time. And while the Mexicans would have fancied their chances against T&T, Warriors captain Felician Guerra and his men had different ideas.

By the interval the game as a contest was more or less over.

But there is still a long way to go as the teams move from pool action to knock out action today.

Immediately after their game with Mexico, the Trinidad and Tobago squad left the Roberto Mendez Stadium for ice baths back at the their hotel base.

Yesterday, in Pool A action, defending champions Guyana looked focused and determined to retain their title, while Martinique, the Bahamas and Cayman Islands are still in with a chance of qualifying for the next round.

Today, hosts Mexico will be hoping to rebound and battle their way to the championship final and the stage is set for an exciting final day of rugby sevens as Team T&T seek to earn an automatic spot for the 2010 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) and Commonwealth Games. The NACRA Champion will also earn an automatic berth into next February's IRB World Seven Series tournament in Las Vegas.

Mexico has not left anything to chance in their effort to win this weekend's North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7s Rugby championship. The Central American's have acquired the services of Dion Rameka .the New Zealander started a two year contract with the Mexican Rugby Federation in October. Mexico also visited their next door neighbours USA the week before the Championships. In addition the team trained at the Mexican Olympic Center. Where their strength and conditioning sessions was supervised by Anna Guevara’s ex trainer.

MEN'S QUARTER FINALS MATCH UPS

Quarter Final 1- Guyana vs Bermuda

Quarter Final 2- Bahamas vs Jamaica

Quarter Final 3-Trinidad and Tobago vs Cayman Islands

Quarter Final 4-Martinique vs Mexico

MEN'S SEMI FINALS:

Semi Final 1- Winner QF 1 VS QF2

Semi Final 2- Winner QF 3 VS QF 4