The BVI Rugby Team returned from a weekend trip to Puerto Rico with a convincing victory over the San Juan Rugby Club.
This was the first game of 15–a–side rugby that the VI played since the loss to Barbados last April and was a chance to “blood” several new players, according to team manager Dustyn Molver.
The San Juan Rugby Club, a mix of local young and experienced Argentine and American players, started last weekend’s game very strong, putting pressure on the VI scrum and competing aggressively at the breakdown area.
“The BVI lost the physical battle around the pitch, but after a few heated scrums, the introduction of Jeovan Thompson after 20 minutes brought some strength and aggression to the front row and as San Juan began to tire slightly, the BVI came back into the game,” said Mr. Molver.
Despite dominating possession for much of the first half, the VI defense stood firm with Heath Copland and Andre Adams making numerous tackles. In the backline, the half backs Niall Brooks and Will Pridgeon worked well with Tom Chapman and Jon Draper in the centres to ensure San Juan’s attacks were kept at bay. The VI forwards also got into the game and secured good line out ball through Federico Zicari. The VI finished the first half as the stronger team with a 12-0 lead, with some help as well from Johnny Bailey.
“Towards the last twenty minutes of the game, the BVI played some of their best rugby,” Mr. Molver said, adding that “from a series of drives, Andre Adams crashed over for a score and Pridgeon duly converted to take the score to 22-5.”
Special mention was made of the contribution by young player Melvin Knight.
The BVI Rugby Football Union continues its training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the A.O. Shirley Grounds and new male players aged 16 and older are invited. The focus now is on the upcoming visit of George Washington University on March 12-16.