1 juill. 1999 - Cuba Tour

Description:

The CITCO/AMSTEL BVI rugby "blond" machine eased out a hard worked 18-3 victory against the inexperienced but enthusiastic Iniversidad de Cuba in Havana in the first weekend of July. This was the BVI's first overseas victory of the year and they were made to work hard by a fit and strong Cuban team whose inexperience often let them down.

Alcohol AbuseThe BVI team were obviously suffering from the effects of their arduous journey to Havana and this, together with having to make a last minute reshuffle to its starting lineup, seemed to unsettle the team. Coach Barry Mitchell reluctantly found himself in the starting lineup at the insistence of his team mates and this sent a buzz of anticipation through the crowd. The first half was a scrappy affair with the BVI gaining most of the ball and pressing the Cubn line without being able to break down their defence. The Cuban team looked dangerous on the break but were often let down by poor handling.

Cuba scored first from a penalty conceded as a result of a try saving late tackle by full back David Lawson. This lifted the Cuban's spirits and the BVI had to work hard to prevent them from extending their lead. Late in the first half the BVI took the lead when non-blond Stuart Lloyd-Jones intercepted a misplaced Cuban pass and went over unchallenged. Richard Willis was successful with the conversion and the BVI went into a 7-3 lead. Just before half time Cuba should have scored a try after a powerful break down the wing which caught the BVI defence unprepared. Only poor handling by the Cubans prevented them from going in at half time in the lead.

The Huddle

Scrum half and semi-blond Mooney Flowers' late arrival in the first half had steadied the BVI and with a more settled line up they began to look more comfortable in the second half and spent most of the game in the Cuban half. Richard Willis was successful with two more penalty kicks to give the BVI a 13-3 lead mid-way through the second half. This settled the BVI and they began to play much more consistently. At one point full back David Lawson made a superb break that split the Cuban defence and brought the crowd noisily to its feet in anticipation as super-blond Nick TC Farmer scorched down the wing in support.They could scarcely contain their excitement as Farmer raced down the wing, surely one of the game's greatest sights, and called for the pass. As the ball looped over the crowd screamed in anticipation of the possibility of witnessing one of rugby's great moments. Unfortunately Farmer was unable to hold the pass and the hysteria subdued.

The BVI sealed victory late in the second half as substitute Reggie Kite, who had come on late in the second half, broke through two poor tackles to score. Willis missed the conversion and the BVI emerged victors by 18 points to 3. This was a fair result on the balance of play, although the outcome could have been different had Cuba been able to handle the ball better in the first half. The game was played in an excellent spirit and the Cuban team deserves commendation for their gallant effort.

Tour Squad: Chris McKenzie, Calum McKenzie, Mike Royal, Dougal Thornton, Chris Owen, Phil Williams, Phil Kite, Andrew Simmons, Damien Person, Andrew Flowers, Peter Unwin, Richard Willis, Tim Murray, Barry Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Dave Lawson, Rob Mcintyre, Dave Finlayson, Gerard Murphy, Johnny Wallis, Nick Farmer

Ajouté au bande de temps:

Date:

Les images: