The Truman Bodden Sports Complex erupted with cheers on Friday as the Cayman Islands National Women’s and Men’s XV’s rugby teams celebrated dual victories over Bermuda in the highly anticipated Cayman Big Game XI.
A grandstand packed to capacity witnessed both teams, competing in the Rugby Americas North regional tournament, deliver thrilling performances.
Cayman National Women’s XV’s team
Cayman’s women’s team ignited the evening with the night’s first win, scoring 47-37.
Captain Zororo Mutomba, 23, hailed it as “historic” for Cayman women’s rugby team to play at the stadium, especially after years of building the team.
She told the Compass that, despite losing a key player prior to the match, the team really stepped up and it was an amazing game overall.
Some highlights of the game for her included Nayeli Dacres, who started playing rugby just months ago, scoring the first try, and Rachel Hartley’s versatile and hard-hitting performance at number 10.
She acknowledged the many new players on the team who have progressed so well since recently starting the sport.
Veteran Cayman player Schmarrah Mccarthy expressed elation over the win and praised the team’s ability to gather themselves despite a few dips in adhering to the game plan, specifically in defence.
“I think that’s a testament to the practice, the reps and the coaching, and we’re happy to come away with the win, especially in front of a home crowd,” she told the Compass.
Mccarthy says that she’s on her way out of the sport and the team’s performance left her feeling hopeful for what is to come.
“It was wonderful to see the younger players’ confidence start to match their talent. Being able to be on the field and watch [them] come up, knowing they’re there to take your place, and they’re going to take the ball and move it forward. It’s going to be amazing to watch in a few years,” she said.
She also thanked the Cayman crowd for coming out. “You feel lifted in the times where you’re really tired and the crowd makes all the difference,” she told the Compass.
The women now prepare for a RAN fixture against Trinidad on 5 July and Mutomba says that the game against Bermuda was preparation for that.
“I think we showed ourselves out here [against Bermuda] as … really prepared … and we’re just going to keep improving from here, so that’ll be a very exciting game to watch,” she said about the upcoming fixture.
Cayman National Men’s XV’s team
The men’s team secured an 18-10 victory in an intense encounter.
Co-captain Richard Hooper told the Compass, “I don’t think we executed as well as we wanted to.” However, he underscored the “hard work and determination” from the 23-man squad that carried them to the victory.
He praised the crowd’s crucial role in the humid conditions saying, “I think it was like the crowd probably helped carry us through to the end.”
Though he cited “a few unforced errors”, Hooper commended the team’s strong reaction.
Coach Jamie Barnwell admitted a tough first half with high penalty counts, but praised the team’s ability to “figure it out”, despite not playing their best, highlighting the seamless transition of two young playmakers.
“I’m just happy for the guys. Things didn’t go our way, and yet we still found a way to figure it out. That’s a sign of a good team, so all credit to them,” he said.
Co-captain David Stringer said it was a very difficult game, noting the wet and humid conditions that made ball handling challenging, but expressed satisfaction with securing the win.
This victory follows the men’s impressive 48-17 win against Guyana on 26 April.
With the 15’s season concluded, the men now shift focus to the upcoming 7s season.
The resounding double triumph at home showcases the talent and resilience within Cayman rugby, setting an exhilarating precedent for their continued campaigns in the RAN tournament.
