T&T U21 Show Mettle in Upset Win Over TTRFU President's 15
Dec.14.2009
The Trinidad and Tobago Under 21 rugby team showed mettle as they scored an upset to
come from behind and secure a 29-24 win over Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football
Union (TTRFU) President's 15 at the St. Mary's College Grounds yesterday. Thanks to
tries by Kordell Joseph, Kendal Mootoo, Jessie Richards, Aasan Lewis and a superb goal
kicking performance by scrum half Justin McLean.
The fact that the Under 21’s played the final six minutes of the game with two players
in the sin bin (yellow carded and sent off for ten minutes) was a reflection of their team
spirit and collective effort.
Murray Roulston, Technical Director of the Under 21’s was a proud man as his team
showed determination, courage and composure against their senior and more experienced
counterparts.
A sign that there was emphasis on setting the right standards came when Roulston had
the Under 21’s at the match venue neatly attired in red polo jerseys, black pants and
dress shoes. In front of an appreciative crowd that included Minister of Sport and Youth
Affairs, Gary Hunt and Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) President
Larry Romany.
The President’s 15 scored first with an unconverted try by winger Abdeel Gilkes,
however, the U21’s quickly struck back as Kordell Joseph (winger) finished a well
constructed move. McLean’s first and only conversion miss kept the score at 5-all.
Five minutes later the T&T U21 scrum half made amends kicking a penalty conversion
that gave his team an 8-5 lead.
The President's 15 had a 12-8 advantage at the break following a try by national prop
forward Samuel Roberts and a conversion by Don Rojas Jr. The T&T U21’s grabbed a
55th minute, 15-12 lead when a three quarter move from inside their own 22 metre
resulted in a 50 metre sprint for the try by centre Kendall Mootoo and conversion by
McLean.
The President’s 15 responded with a good try in the 61st minute as their powerful
forward pack started to control possession. Some good running and off loading skills in
the tight exchanges was rewarded with a Peter Bacchus try and Rojas conversion to 19-
15. At this point the youngsters appeared to be losing the physical and mental battle,
they however rallied themselves with a 4425 chant. The significance and meaning
unknown to the spectators, it proved inspirational as the youngsters fought back to
regain a two point lead with a Jessie Richards try and McLean conversion. Within five
minutes Samuel Roberts' second try of the match saw the President’s 15 retake the lead
with a 24-22 score line.
Again came that 4425 chant. The encounter had by now become very combative but
Referee Paul Mowser maintained a firm hand on proceedings as the Under 21’s refused
to be intimidated.
On 71 minutes, a mazy counterattacking run by full back Joseph Quashie and a deft pass
to center Aasan Lewis resulted in a try. The conversion clinically slotted over by
McLean gave their team a 29-24 advantage.
A tense match grew even more so in the 74th minute as a flare up between President’s
15 scrum half Bernard Yetming and McLean, resulted in Mowser showing Lewis and
Michael Augustus the yellow card. With less than 10 minutes remaining the U21’s
would have to see out the match with 13 players.
The President's 15 with a two man advantage and experience on their side could not
benefit as the Under 21’s soaked up the pressure to prevail for a remarkable 29-24 win.
The delight of the Under 21 team was obvious when the final whistle was sounded.
Following the encounter respected local rugby pundits were heard to remark that the
performance of the Under 21’s was a revelation and augurs well for the future of rugby.
Murray Roulston will head home knowing that with just six weeks at his disposal he was
able to up skill and mould a disciplined, composed, organised and confident T&T Under
21 team.
It is for others to mull on what the rugby savvy Kiwi could do if he were to return to
T&T for a much longer period than three months.
TTOC President, Larry Romany, said he was impressed by the discipline and character
showed by the T&T U21 team. "Both teams contributed to an entertaining match. The
U21’s did not appear to panic. I have shared with the TTRFU the need to ensure that
the National Rugby players, male and female, old and young place greater emphasis on
strength, conditioning and nutrition." said Romany.
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