Saint Lucia fourth in Rugby Americas North Women’s Rugby Tournament

The Saint Lucia Women’s Rugby National Team participated in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Women’s 10s Tournament in Barbados. The tournament took place July 18-21 at the Bellevue Plantation Polo Club, a few kilometers from the nation’s capital, and was open to the public and all rugby enthusiasts.

The Women’s 10s tournament is entering its fourth year and the number of teams competing, and the quality of play, continue to increase. Eight teams took part in the two-day competition with Saint Lucia emerging in fourth position. Following are the results: (1) Mexico, (2) Jamaica, (3) USA South, (4) Saint Lucia, (5) Dominican Republic, (6) Trinidad and Tobago, (7) Barbados, (8) Curacao.

On the first day of the competition, Saint Lucia lost to USA South 10-17 in a closely contested match. In the second match, Saint Lucia defeated Trinidad and Tobago 17-5. In their final match for day 1, Saint Lucia crushed Curacao 47-0.

On the second day, Saint Lucia triumphed over the Dominican Republic 20-12. In the second match of the day, Saint Lucia lost to Jamaica 0-19. In their final match of the tournament, Saint Lucia lost to USA South 0-24. Saint Lucia’s highest scorers were Winnie Rene with 20 points and Kameka President with 19 points.

The Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) recorded another first in the tournament. Chantel John became the first Saint Lucian female referee to officiate at the competition. At previous RAN tournaments, John operated as an assistant referee.

When contacted to comment on the team’s success in Barbados, President of the SLRFU Roger Butcher said: “I am very pleased with the team’s performance and their success is due to a concerted effort by all team members, support staff and financiers. Our participation in this tournament was one of the major milestones in the SLRFU’s four-year strategic plan. The Saint Lucian team has been receiving accolades on their performance from both local and foreign supporters.”

When asked about upcoming rugby events, Butcher stated that in August there will be the rugby community 7s, youth rugby in September, RAN Men’s XVs against Saint Vincent set for October, beach rugby in November and the Barbados World Rugby 7s taking place in December.

The SLRFU Women’s 10s team consisted of the following players. Loianna Alexander, Marline Cherry, Renetta Frederick (captain), Winnie Della Rene, Electra Marcelle, Kameka President, Mary Roberts, Marissa Wilfred, Genesis Alfred, Daleanna Alcide, Mylene Grunberg, Josel Gonzague, Kera Dornelly, Kisha Jeanik Edgar and Shawnette St Juste.

Accompanying them were: team physiotherapist and Assistant Manager, Zhenya C Allain; Coach Wayne Pantor; President Butcher who also served as Team Manager; nutritionist and chef Kera Donelly; and Peggy Laurent.

The SLFRU thanked the many persons who continue to make this journey possible: Le Sport BodyHoliday Spa and Resort; LUCELEC; Saint Lucia National Lottery; Ministry of Youth Development and Sports; Senator Fortuna Belrose and the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee; Dame Pearlette Louisy; Stephanie Lambert-Montague; coaches for the SLRFU 10s team: Damien Clothier, Willet Wayne Pantor, Chantel John and Matt Jess; Massy Stores; Zhenya C Allain, team physiotherapist for the past 14 years; Mo and Simon Boulter; and all friends and well-wishers who have supported, and continue to support, the efforts of the SLRFU towards its goals.