RUGBY TEST MATCH: Caymans and Mexico Square off

15.05.2011
Cayman Islands v Mexico in Mexico City (NACRA Caribbean Champ.,North R2)

Venue: Burros Blancos Field, Zacatenco

Referee:

Preview
Mexico made it into Round 2 of the Caribbean Championship, North Zone, with a 25-9 win over the USA South XV on 9 April. The Cayman Islands also reached the second round after a hard-fought 36-25 win over Jamaica. The winner enters the third round, playing a round-robin tournament against Bermuda and Bahamas. The winner of the North Zone will play the winner of the South Zone. The South teams in Round 3 are Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

Mexico were most impressive when they accounted for USA South in the round 1 fixture. They playing again on home turf which is a distinct advantage.

Mexico team line up 2011. Photo thanks to Francisco Echeguren, FMRU.

Previews
http://www.mexrugby.com/ (in Spanish)
http://www.caymanrugby.com/membership/crfu-the-word-5

The Cayman Island’s were equally impressive against Jamaica back in April but they have a smaller club base and are playing away from home.

Previous Encounters
23.04.2008 Mexico 13-7 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B, Bowl, Semi-final)
18.05.2002 Cayman Islands 5-0 in Cancun (Cancun Cup)
19.05.2001 Cayman Islands 20-14 in Cancun (Cancun Cup)
1985 Cayman Islands 22-18 in Mexico City (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings and IRB Rankings do not apply.

Prediction: Mexico by 17 points

Teams

Cayman Islands squad
Douglas Anderson
Benjamin Blair
Daniel Bond
Garrett Connolly
J.S. de Jager
Peter de Vere
Shaun Gerard
Christopher Haines
Edward Hayward
Ben McDonald
Daniel McGrath
Macdonald Machingura
Craig Morgan
Sean Murphy
Phillip A. O'Connor
Paul Parker
Barnaby Richardson
Samuel Sage
Mark Stabler
Justin Vasquez
Michael Wilson
Keswick Wright
Head Coach: Brad Cowdroy

Info.thanks to Christopher Kennedy, team manager.

Mexico
Squad not available