ARIMA, Trinidad and Tobago — Jamaica’s rugby contingent delivered exhilarating performances at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament, earning a bronze for the men’s team, the Crocs, and a hard-fought silver for the women’s team, the Lady Crocs, in the Tier One competitions.
Both squads exhibited grit, resilience, and flair, leaving an indelible mark on the prestigious tournament.
The Crocs capped their campaign with a commanding 12-0 shutout of Mexico in the men’s bronze-medal match. Roman Priestley-Nangle’s first-half try set the tone for Jamaica, who doubled their lead in the second half to secure a satisfying victory.
This triumph was especially sweet as it avenged an earlier 12-10 pool-stage loss to the same Mexican side. The Crocs, who finished second in Pool B with two wins and one defeat, demonstrated tenacity throughout the competition.
Their journey began with a nail-biting 22-21 victory over Caribbean neighbors Cayman Islands, followed by a dominant 17-5 win over host nation Trinidad. However, their winning streak faltered in a narrow pool-play defeat to Mexico. Undeterred, the Crocs surged past Guyana with a stunning 38-12 win in the quarter-finals before falling 26-0 to eventual champions Canada in the semi-finals.
Lady Crocs battle bravely for silver
The Lady Crocs showcased determination and skill on their path to the women’s final, starting with a thumping 40-12 victory over the Dominican Republic. On day two, they produced a thrilling comeback to edge past Trinidad 12-10 after trailing 10-0 at halftime.
Despite a 19-12 pool-play loss to Mexico, the Lady Crocs rebounded emphatically with a 35-0 rout of Trinidad ‘B’ and a confident 22-5 win over Barbados to secure their place in the final.
The championship clash against Mexico was a heart-stopping affair. Captain Veronica Blair electrified the field with a dazzling try to give Jamaica a narrow 7-5 lead at halftime. The contest remained fiercely competitive, with the teams locked at 12-12 in the dying seconds. But in a heartbreaking twist, Mexico’s Esthefanny Espindola pierced the Jamaican defense to clinch the title with a last-gasp try.
Remarkable progress and unyielding spirit
Both Jamaican teams improved on their performances from last year, earning their podium finishes with a mix of tactical precision and sheer determination.
Reflecting on their campaign, Veronica Blair expressed pride in the Lady Crocs’ journey despite the gut-wrenching finale. “We gave it our all and fought until the end. This silver medal reflects the hard work and passion we poured into this tournament.”
The Crocs’ bronze-medal victory underscored their resilience and hunger for success, setting the stage for future triumphs.
With their stellar showing, the Crocs and Lady Crocs continue to elevate Jamaica’s rugby reputation on the international stage. Their performances at the RAN Sevens have solidified their status as formidable contenders in the sport, inspiring fans and players alike to dream big.
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