The BVI national rugby team departed the Territory this morning, January 25 for St. Lucia where they will play the home side in a first round encounter in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Championships. The match is set to be played tomorrow, January 26.
After a bruising warm up match against St. Thomas, which saw speedy 17 year-old winger Melvin Knight steal a last minute victory, the BVI will be keen to put on a strong show against an unknown St. Lucia unit.
Victory against St. Lucia would see the BVI progress to the next round and a home game against Curacao in February.
Coach Sherlock `Solo´ Solomon was cautiously optimistic ahead of the game with St. Lucia.
"We need all our players to front up and take the game to St. Lucia in the first twenty minutes and then try to wear them down. We have several youngsters making their debut or playing only their second or third game, so it is key that the senior players look after them and also utilise their pace and fitness. Alongside young Melvin we also have another product of the youth system; big Austin Keil from Cedar who will hopefully come on to make his debut in the backs," Solomon stated.
Travelling Team
Forwards: Roan Thornton, Patrick Dennis Adrian O´Neill, Federico Zicari, Edward Vasquez, Vivieon Harry, Andre Adams, Andrew Simmonds.
Backs: Jimmy Peters, Dustyn Molver, Melvin Knight, Donovan Staple (Captain), Thomas Chapman, Jerome Springette, Victor Franklyn.
Substitutes: Jeavan Thompson, Damion Brown, Lester Hamer, Simon Knight, Burt Woodley, Austin Keil.
Coach: Sherlock Solomon
Manager: Ian James
