Mexico overpowers SVG in WC Rugby qualifier

The Arnos Vale Playing Field was transformed into a sporting battle field, last Saturday afternoon, as Mexico faced St. Vincent and the Grenadines in a game of Rugby.{{more}}

But it was not any ordinary encounter; it was a World Cup qualifier for the 2011 finals.

And, no quarters were asked and none were given.

The sturdy, brawny, more athletic and more experienced Mexicans trounced the Vincentians 42-7, in a lopsided affair. The visitors scored six tries, three conversions and had two penalties.

The Mexicans thwarted whatever little the Vincentians had to offer.

However, every potential move by the Vincentians was greeted by roars of approval by the appreciative gathering of well wishers and curious sports fans who witnessed the match.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines had one try and a conversion, by Dougal James and Justin Tittle, respectively.

A try is worth five points, a penalty three and a conversion, two points.

Coach of the local team, Phillip Alvis, told SEARCHLIGHT at the end of the match that it was a good performance by his team, granted the relative abilities between the two nations.

“We did well under the circumstances, seeing that we did not train much”, Alvis said.

He stated that it was only the last few days leading up to Saturday’s historic match that the players showed up for practice.

Alvis lamented that with the team having to journey to the Buccamment Playing Field for practice, there were some logistical obstacles.

The Mexicans move on the next phase to be played in the Cayman Islands, April 19-29.(RT)