REIGNING Tags 5s champions Rogues 2 were in five-star form on Sunday 16th August 2020 winning their second consecutive Tag 5s tournament inside two weekends when they defeated a youthful Reela team by one point, (4-3) in the finals.
Sunday’s showpiece which took place at the Sab Sporting Facility was organized by Renegades Rugby Club in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU).
The five hour event saw a total of eight teams participating namely – Rogues Rugby male 1/2 and one female, Reela Rugby under the watchful eyes of Clovis Samuel; Whiptail Warriors (male), Whiptail Rollers (female), Blue Devils (comprising some of Saint Lucia’s track and field athletes/ netballers) and Season Veterans.
Despite the wind blowing from the east north east at 18 mph, it was nonstop action under the scorching heat as a series of matches were played in the preliminary and quarterfinal rounds which saw the following four teams Rogues 2; Reela; Whiptail Warriors and Blue Devils enjoying opening round victories that propelled them into the semifinal round.
For the Challenge Cup in an all Rogues derby, Rogues 1 defeated Rogues women 6 -3; Whiptail Rollers women had to pull all stops to defeat the Season Veterans 7-5.
In the semifinal No.1 showdown, Reela defeated Whiptail Warriors 6 – 2; semifinal No.2, Rogues 2 continued their good run on form when they made light work of Blue Devils winning 9 – 1, the biggest margin of victory on the day.
For the third place silverware, following their 9 – 1 thrashing at the hands of Rogues 2, the Blue Devils team left no space for error this time around as they went on to defeat Whiptail Warriors in a nail biter 5 – 4.
With all eyes glued on the pitch for the grand finale, the experienced Rogues 2 team with the likes of Leroy Lascaris, Jerry Charles, Ethan Phillip, Jeanmael Phillip, Elvin Joseph, Darrion Roberts, Malauge Vitalis and Kervin Joseph in its lineup had to dig deep to defeat a youthful Reela Rugby team in a close encounter 4 – 3. The halftime score 3 – 2 in favour of Rogues 2.
The tournament which is supposed to be a non-contact version where the players use flags to stimulate the tackle started with some sparks and fast pace. In the process, a Reela player got into a tangle on the lines with his opponent and the game was halted for a few minutes by the referee, as Physio, Zhenya Allain came to his assistance. Thankfully there were no serious injuries.
The Reela team for the final included – Malyle Cherry, Nicholas Jacobie, Nathan Jacobie, Roman Descarte, Colvis Samuels, Benerrero Wellington, Stavone Gabriel and Sherquan Emmanuel.
Following the showpiece the awards were presented: The Player of the Finals, Leroy Lascaris (Rogues 2); third place trophy and bronze medals – Blue Devils; second place trophy and silver medals – Reela Rugby; the championship trophy and gold medals – Rogue 2.
The VOICE spoke to the winning captain/coach of Rogues 2, Jerry Charles about his team’s victory.
A man of a few words, he shared: “The only thought is the team who executed on the day won and the rest of Rogues 1 needs to step up at training because they are the senior team with the most experience”.
When asked whether he was looking forward to a three-peat on Sunday 30th August in Monchy, Jerry said, “Yes, most definitely. We have played 12 games over three tournaments and lost one in the finals of the Beach Rugby, the first tournament of the season. Like the two previous tournaments, we will take one game at a time”.
The VOICE also spoke to the Technical Director of the Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) Trinidadian born, Wayne Pantor.
“This is the third leg of the series where the players are getting themselves familiarized with the Tag 5s version of Rugby, the only difference at this ground (Sab Playing Facility) compared to the La Clery playing field, we have opened the space by 25 metres”.
According to Wayne, “The next competition will be played on a 75×75 metres width field and from that we will be going to 100 metres width, the same size of a football pitch”.
In terms of the level of fitness he said, “This is a preparation process; we have milestones to reach every four weeks. Last week the team did their physical assessment where we had the baseline scores. At present the team is at 65 percent fitness overall. We have some individuals above par, but again we are trying to bring the weaker ones up to a certain level”.
Wayne continued, “These tournaments are basically designed for the younger players and new players (coordinating athletes who came from track and field/netball) into Rugby to basically wet their feet. So far I have seen some excellent performers, individuals and team performances by some of the weaker players”.
In terms of development: “For the females, we have a development player Makeba Alcide (track and field athlete) who is showing great potential, as well as Sharma Phulgence and Latin Nicholson. These are players that showing developmental curve, basically adapting to Rugby. You are going to see great things from them at the national level”.
Meanwhile, the next Tag 5s tournament will take place at the Monchy playing field and will serve off from 10.00 a.m. on Sunday 30th August; the event will be hosted by the Whiptail Warriors Rugby Team in collaboration with the SLRFU.