St Lucia was again outdone by their counterparts from Martinique in a very competitive match held on the Corinth Playing Field on Saturday. This is the third consecutive year Martinique is visiting St Lucia for what will now be an annual affair between the two teams.
St Lucia jumped out to an early lead with an attempt from Jerry Charles, which was converted by Colvis Samuels to make the score 7-0. The Diamante team retaliated with a try of its own but failed to convert. This made the game 7-5 in favour of St Lucia. The contest swayed back and forth up until the half way mark with no change in the score.
In the second half St Lucia’s Samuels, scored two quick penalties (six points) but Martinique again hit back with a converted try (seven points) make it a one point game, 13-12 in favour of the hosts.
With 15 minutes left before the end, Martinique delivered an onslaught, against a resilient St Lucian defence.
The relentless attack and a few lapses in concentration by St Lucia, caused Martinique to score two quick tries to draw ahead 22 points to 13 for the final score.
Scorers for Martinique were Burel Mathieu (one try, one penalty and two conversions) and Bellemare Richard. There was also one penalty try.
In a very surprising and greatly appreciated gesture, the chief architect of the tour, Dulac Jn Pierre of Diamante, unveiled a massive shield named the Coldu’s Shield for which St Lucia and Diamante will compete whenever the two teams meet. The name is a fusion between Colvis and Dulac. Martinique will come to St Lucia in the third week of June each year and St Lucia will travel to Martinique in February annually.
