Princeton rugbymen end TT tour

The Ivy League’s Princeton University rugby team ended their two-match tour at the President’s Ground, St Ann’s with a well earned 29-22 win over the Trinidad and Tobago Select Rugby Team on Thursday. On Tuesday the visitors were 14-10 victors as tries from Wade Perrin and Michael Carvin and a Cameron Young conversion saw them past the locals. Thursday’s encounter proved to be a grudge match of sorts and was particularly physical throughout.

Princeton were keen to finish the tour unbeaten and led 8-0 at half-time but after starting the second half in good spirit, the Trinidad and Tobago contingent gave Princeton the match through two critical errors in judgment. Kelson Figaro a young TT fullback misplayed a high ball gifting Princeton a try in the process and Carlton Mitchell with a clear run at the Princeton team’s defence inexplicably floored the ball. Zekiel Loregnard’s tackle could not help the Trinidad and Tobago outfit’s chances as Chris White shook him off and scored a team high 16 points for Princeton, one try, four conversions and a penalty, while Michael Carvin, Chay Didly and Josh Girvin sealed the match with a try each.

TT’s Mark Kidman, Dexter Snaggs and Carlton Felix recorded a try each while National 16s captain Ben Chapman put up two conversions and Kirt Collier had another, serving to soften the blow. American Sevens Rugby coach Emil Signes arrived in Trinidad on Friday and will partner with National Rhett Chee Ping in preparing the national 7s team for their Los Angeles 7s berth. Trinidad and Tobago are Caribbean Rugby 15s and 7s champions and will participate in the Los Angeles 7s from February 14-15 in Los Angeles and will leave on Monday, Feburary 9. The Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union’s 2003 Awards Function will be hosted tonight at Rafters Restaurant from 6.30 pm.