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Banks DIH through Powerade supports national ruggers
Banks DIH Marketing Executive Carlton Joao and GRFU President Christopher 'Kit' Nascimento (centre) pose with members of the Head Table yesterday.
– LOCAL FANS URGED TO DESCEND AT NATIONAL STADIUM IN GREEN
By Rawle Welch
When Guyana faces Barbados this Saturday in the final game of the Southern Caribbean 15’s Rugby Championship at the National Stadium, it will have the opportunity to host another international tournament following up on last year’s hosting of the CAC and NAWIRA competitions, while another chance to move the sport into the upper echelon of local sporting success would be made available.
The national rugby team knows no equals when it comes to sporting success in Guyana and even though the sport continues to struggle for ample Government and corporate support, sport lovers all across Guyana will have a chance to see one of the most successful teams in recent times attempt to defeat Barbados for the Southern Caribbean title, free of cost.
At a press briefing which was held yesterday at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Headquarters where the entity confirmed sponsorship through its Powerade Isotonic Energy Drink, President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento disclosed that entry into the National Stadium will be free of cost and called on all sport loving Guyanese to come out in their green outfits to support the national team as they seek to beat Barbados and progress to the NACRA final which will be played right here against Bermuda.
Nascimento, who was accompanied by a battery of executive members, Head Coach Theodore Henry, Match Commissioner Terrence Grant and Chairman of the Selections Committee Mike McCormack was joined by Banks DIH Marketing Executive Carlton Joao, PRO Troy Peters and Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart among others expressed gratitude on behalf of the Union for Banks DIH unmitigated support for rugby over the years, adding that the Company continue to be a major contributor to the sport.
According to Nascimento, Saturday’s game is a crucial one for Guyana and even though they are favoured to defeat Barbados after an outstanding performance against reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago last week, he reminded that the Bajans are no pushovers as evidenced by their narrow loss to the Trinis.
Joao in his remarks said that the Company was quite happy with the sport’s success over the past five years, especially in the Sevens format which has seen Guyana rule over the rest of the Caribbean during that period.
He added that even though the team has not been getting the kind of support it rightly deserves, he is optimistic that in the near future that vital missing ingredient will come.
Joao pointed out that while they were happy to be on board once again there was some concern about how the team will perform in the 15’s version, but according to him they seemed to have transferred their success in the other format to the current system.
“We feel that the team’s achievements over the years have been exemplary and once again Guyana has seen the sport continue on its path of growth and success,” Joao related.
He revealed that should Guyana go on to defeat Barbados and make it to the NACRA final, his Company has already made a commitment to be on board once again.
Henry speaking about the team’s preparations said that they are trying to keep sharp and eliminate the mistakes that were made in the T&T game.
He said that he expects fitness to be a key factor and they are steadfastly focused on that phase, while also defining their tactical sequences.
The Head Coach disclosed that the Coaching Staff is satisfied with the players’ commitment to training, especially the senior players who according to him have stepped up in a big way and offered support to the relatively inexperienced members of the squad.
Meanwhile, the three overseas-based players Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers and Ryan Hinckson are expected to arrive later this week to join the squad and when questioned about whether their late arrival is a bit of a disadvantage for the team, Henry informed that they are all seasoned players who’re familiar with the style of play and have the ability to harmonize immediately upon their appearance.
The final composition of the squad will be released tomorrow, while Barbados arrives on Friday and has a scheduled practice session at the National Park in the afternoon.
The match is set to start at 16:00 hrs.
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