Old dogs still know a trick or two

By Eugene Bonthuys, eugene@cfp.ky

> Comment on this story

The Re/Max Knackerfest found itself among the many events battered and bruised by the passage of Paloma. Yet being battered and bruised has never stopped the more ‘experienced’ rugby players in Cayman from getting out there and doing their thing.

Dan Bond felt crowded at times   Photo: Eugene Bonthuys

Unfortunately, a closed airport did keep the Jamaican Old Crocs stranded in Jamaica, waiting for better days.

As the weather cleared, the Cayman Tarnished Turtles took on a Cayman under 30 team in order to sharpen their game fitness in preparation for the postponed clash against the Jamaican side.

The sides played two games on 8 and 9 November, and with the Turtles taking one win and suffering a narrow loss, the team felt confident heading into the clash with the visiting Jamaican side the following Saturday.

With the visitors ending up somewhat short staffed, their ranks were bolstered with some additional Cayman talent, including Shane Aquart, John Doak, Paul Deegan, Richard Grasby, Sammy Harris, Chris Jackson, Jon Rew and Peter de Vere.

The visitors got on the scoreboard after five minutes with a well–deserved try.

Although the play went from one end of the pitch to the other, the visitors managed to remain in control through some powerful running by Hugh Williams and were able to keep Cayman at bay until late in the final quarter.

Adrian Porter finally managed to turn the table for Cayman as he broke through the Jamaican defensive line and ran in a beautiful try to give Cayman the lead with only minutes left to go.

However, the glory would not belong to Cayman this time, as Jamaica managed to run in another score and take the game and the trophy 27–24.

Yet for all the competition, it was Pirates Week after all, and with the Palais/Gemini Cup back in the hands of the visitors, it was time to enjoy the festivities on offer.

The next day promised even more action as a mixed Cayman/Jamaica over 30 side took on a Cayman under 30 side.

It would seem that the true difference between youth and experience is the ability to recover from a hard night out, as the local youngsters battered the over 30 side, scoring a 55–10 victory.

The most important element of the weekend was that all games were played in good spirits, with the more experienced players showing that they still have not only the will, but also the ability to play a high quality game of rugby.