Trinidad and Tobago Women’s sevens team had a stern test as they attempted to claim the final qualifying spot at this month’s Olympic Repêchage tournament on June 25-26 in Dublin, Ireland. The T&T outfit grouped with Portugal, China and hosts Ireland in group C. Trinidad and Tobago was one the lowest ranked teams in the tournament and They competed against countries that are currently playing on the HSBC World Sevens series such as Russia and Spain for the top honours.
DAY ONE - Olympic Dreams Curtailed
The local outfit had a tough day at the office on Day 1 of the Olympic Repechage in Dublin, Ireland. First coming up against hosts and tournament favourite Ireland. The well drilled Irish team made light work of the T&T team dispatching them 54-0. The next match wasn't any easier coming up against China one of the core teams on the World Rugby Women's Sevens series and was dismissed 34-5 with T&T's lone item coming from Ornella George. The last fixture of the day saw the ScarleTTs take on a very physical Portugal. But even though T&T finally started to string together more phase play, the lack of composure under pressure saw the Portuguese cruise to a comfortable 42-0 victory and as such, curtailing any possible Olympic dream.
DAY TWO – An Improved Performance to end theTournament.
The T&T ScarleTTs Day One results did not defeat their spirits as a very determined T&T fought feverishly against a very aggressive Venezuelan team, however, they came up short losing 17-0 in this opening match on Day 2 against their neighbors.
On to the second match of the day against Zimbabwe. T&T enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but simple errors gifted their African counterparts with two easy tries. The ScarleTTs clawed a try back from substitute Akila Lowman but it was a little too late as Zimbabwe came away victors 12-5.
“The team showed more fight on Day 2”, commented Head Coach Carlton Felix. “The other teams in the tournament are way ahead of us physically and fitness wise and those are the areas we have to address immediately if we are to compete on the world stage.”
Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Women’s Olympic Repechage Team
Ayana Skeete (captain)
Nicolette Pantor
Dalia Jordan Brown
Kanisha Vincent
Ornella George
Alesha Bruce
Apphia Glasgow
Latifah Caliste
Victoria Caliste
Kathleen Stephens
Akila Lowman
Fayola Jack
Travelling Reserves
Onica George
Tenisha Samuel
Management Team
Carlton Felix (head coach)
Kelson Figaro (assist. Coach)
Jenilee Limada (assist coach)
Dereck Asby-Williams (Physiotherapist)
For further interviews, please contact Manager Ebony Young - ebonyjamila@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Kwanieze John
SGRLTT Administrator
"Building Our Girls, Building Our Sport"
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