Local rugby players in showdown with BVI tomorrow

Local Rugby players are gearing up for a showdown with the British Virgin Islands, set for the Arnos Vale Playing Field, tomorrow, April 18, starting at 3 p.m.{{more}}

This would be the Vincentians’ third match in the NACRA 15-a-side championships, and the first on home soil.

The last time both outfits faced each other, last May in Tortola, St Vincent and the Grenadines finished triumphant, 24-22.

The current championships see St Vincent and the Grenadines at the top of the South Zone Cup League with a 1-1 record and 4 points, courtesy of a pair of bonus points in their two matches.

In the Vincentians’ first match against group favourites Curacao, they tied 24-24 on March 7 and three weeks later stopped St Lucia 16-8, in St Lucia.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s match against the BVI, head coach of the St Vincent and the Grenadines outfit Mark Winder said his charges are bracing themselves for a tough encounter.

“Traditionally, they have a lot of expats from South Africa and England who are well experienced in rugby, so we know it is going to be tough, but playing at home should give us a boost,” Winder noted.

“Having said that, they (Vincentian players) have learnt a lot; there are structures in place and once we execute, we will do well,” he added.

Winder is banking on the natural athleticism of his players to see them over the line.

Winder, who is from New Zealand, is on a six-month coaching contract stint with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union.(RT)