Harvard Club will be aiming to solidify their claims on the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) Toyota Championship Division standings when they take on Rainbow Sport and Cultural Club at the Marabella Recreation Ground from 4 pm on Saturday.

Harvard have never won the national rugby championship, and head coach Larry Mendez believes that his players can't afford to get complacent and "slip-up".

Harvard are atop the league standings by a narrow one-point margin. Defending champions Caribs Rugby Club are in second place.

On Saturday Harvard travel South to play Rainbow, while Caribs clash with arch-rivals Stag Trinidad Northern in the match of the day at the Queen's Park Oval. At stake are not only crucial Toyota championship points, but the coveted Bruno Browne Cup currently held by Caribs.

"Rainbow play an expansive running game," said Mendez.

They have quick and evasive players and who will not take a step backward. Playing at home they can be a tough nut to crack.

"It's a test of character for us (Harvard). We are chasing history. Last year we came close eventually finishing in second place in the championship race. In 2010, we lost the Marcus Minshall cup final to Trinidad Northern. "This is a pressure filled period. We have to take it one game at a time and not get ahead of ourselves. Keep training hard, keep improving and stay focused but enjoy playing the game. You have to enjoy and love the game and the challenges that come with it," said Mendez.

The Toyota Championship will take a break next week for the Marcus Minshall Cup final between Harvard Club and Stag Trinidad Northern-Saturday 3 November at the Queens Park Oval.

The final round of  the Toyota Championship will be on November 10.

 

Saturday

Harvards v Rainbow, Marabella Recreation Ground 4 pm

Police v Royalians Savannah II pitch 4pm

Caribs v Northerns Championship Bruno Brown Cup Queen's Park Oval 5 p.m.

Raffie Hosein Cup Between Caribs and Northern 3 p.m. Queen's Park Oval

 

Sunday

(U-17s)

Exile vs Rydeus, Gasparillo 2.30 pm

Royalians vs Rainbow Savannah II 2.30 pm

Northerns vs Harvard postponed

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com