St. Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union (SVG Rugby Union) suffered an 80-0 defeat by the Barbados national rugby team on Sunday.
“… despite Barbados ultimately securing a decisive victory, our team demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience throughout,” SVG Rugby Union said in a press release.
Fly-half D’Andre Knight set the tone early for Barbados with two penalty goals within the first eight minutes.
Hooker John Shane Howard extended their lead with the first try of the game in the 19th minute. By halftime, Barbados had established a 31-0 lead, thanks to additional tries from right centre Dario Stoute and tighthead prop Christian Preece.
In the second half, Barbados continued their offensive strategy, with D’Andre Phillips adding further penalties and conversions.
Scrum-half Cadeem Knight, right-wing Simon John, left-flanker Jermaine Bynoe, loosehead Simon John, and right-flanker Rajiv Grant also made significant contributions.
“It should be noted that several penalty goals were awarded to Barbados, which significantly impacted the match dynamics,” SVG Rugby Union said.
“Throughout the match, our Vincentian team was tasked with a significant defensive effort against a Barbados side that featured several semi-professional players with extensive international experience. Despite spending much of the game defending, our young squad showed immense grit and heart, holding the line with commendable tenacity.
“With 14 players making their international debut and most of the team being under 23 years old, this match was an important step in our development journey. Our young athletes played with remarkable spirit, showcasing their potential and dedication to the sport.”
The SVG Rugby Union said it was proud of the Vincentian team’s performance and the invaluable experience gained from facing such a formidable opponent.
“While the result reflects Barbados’ current prowess, it also highlights the bright future of rugby in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Our players’ resilience and potential are clear, and we are confident that with continued growth and experience, our team will rise to new heights.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to developing rugby in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The future is promising, and we look forward to seeing our young team evolve and excel on the international stage.”