[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Whiptail Warriors men’s team and the The Body Holiday (Le Sport) women’s team, emerged victorious in the third Annual LUCELEC Michael Mathurin Rugby Challenge which concluded last Saturday on the La Clery Playing Field.
Prior to the grand finale of this rugby challenge, a youth team called the Baby Bees, played a non-contact form of rugby called tag rugby. These youngsters range in age from 5 to 13 years. All players who were coached by Damian Clothier were presented with medals following the game.
Whiptail Warriors ended the tournament undefeated, having won all five games played. They led the final standings with 10 points, followed by Rogues FC with seven points and VBCC Stingers with four.
Whiptail Warriors Captain Danlin Samuel gave his take on things. The whole tournament was a battle and a fight, because Rogues have been dominating for the past few years. However, we decided to come out strong and gave it everything we had today. Through our coach Colvis Samuels he gave us the determination to go all the way and win this today.”
While praising several team members, he especially singled out Tyrese Samuels and said “he was the one controlling all the plays for the day. He was the one kicking and getting all the extra points we needed.”
Fast and furious was the best way to describe The Body Holiday women’s team, who were also undefeated having won all six games. They led the way with 11 points, followed by Whiptail Warriors with nine, VBCC Stingers earned four points. Roseau RFC who were expected to field a team did not compete and as a result ended up with zero points.
Captain Renetta Fredericks said: “Body Holiday is a relatively new rugby team. We have been training hard for the past four months and of course it paid off big time in all the games we played. We were victorious in all games and each game we improved and that’s why we emerged victorious today.”
When asked to single out players who stood out Fredericks replied: “All the players I would like to single out. There’s Marline Chery, Electra Marcelle, Donna, Krystal, Vonetta, Mindy, Kera Donnely and myself. It was a total team effort together, together, forever.”
Following the last game of the tournament there was a brief prize giving ceremony, with trophies being presented to the winning teams Whiptail Warriors and Body Holiday. Making the presentation was Dr Samantha Mathurin. She is the daughter of the late Michael Mathurin who the tournament is named after.
Dr Mathurin thanked the St Lucia Rugby Football Union for honoring and remembering her father. She said: “I am so happy and proud that the St Lucia Rugby staged this championship in his name, legacy and memory. I am very grateful to be here and see this. He would have really loved this.”
She described her father as someone who has rugby in his blood and said “no guts, no glory is what he lived by. Go all the way or don’t go at all.”
President of the SLRFU, Roger Butcher knew her father when he played and this is how he referred to him: “Integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect, these are the ethos of World rugby and indeed quite fittingly describe Michael Mathurin’s attitude and approach to the game and life. Mike was passionate about the game. To his team mates Mike demanded or even extruded the best of his players. To his opponents he was feared and respected for his ability, skill and knowledge of the game. Mike played in the front row as prop, at every scrum at the sound of engage, followed by ball in you would hear Mike’s voice urging his team mates to drive or hold the opponent’s push. No matter the ferocity of the competition, abiding by the referee’s calls was never met with any descent or argument. When he was diagnosed with kidney failure this did not reduce his love for the game or life. During his illness, Mike would make several visits to training sessions and games to support his team and give advice to both the old and young players.”
No doubt about it, the late Michael Mathurin left a lasting impression that will never be forgotten.
