Thrilling RAN final anticipated between Guyana and USA South Panthers
Guyana and the USA South Panthers are set to clash in a thrilling Rugby America’s North (RAN) 15’s Championship final today at the National Park.
After winning their respective North and South Zone titles, both outfits are confident of a positive outcome of the match which kicks off at 14:00hrs.
The ‘Green Machine’, led by Captain, Ryan Gonsalves is ready to transform into robot mode and defend home turf.
“Playing at home with the support that we get from the fans is always to our advantage,” said Gonsalves recently. “These guys look forward to playing at home, we are not worried about USA but sticking to our game plan and performing on the day.”
The last time the two sides met (2014), Guyana won a 30-27 thriller in triple overtime after trailing for most of the game.
The visitors who will be playing in the 592 for the first time, will be hunting revenge.
Said Head Coach, Rene Daniel yesterday “The last time we played Guyana, they came out on top so absolutely we are aiming to return the favour. We have a pretty good team, pretty athletic, Guyana has good athletes no question about it but I am pleased with my team and I will be looking forward to a victory.”
Daniel then reminded that the red and white clad ruggers which won the title in 2013, is diverse with 17 different teams represented and will be led by Captain, Hein Erasmus.
Regular standouts, Zach Miller and Matt Hughston will add stability to the back and packs respectively.
Panthers squad reads: Channel, Alex Nazon, Amro Gouda, Calvin Storey, Charlie Hutchings, Colton Cariaga, Cormac Keenan, David Coleman, Erasmus (c), Jamal Hadley, Jarrett Gartin, John Bryant, Jordana Gunderson, Matt Fontana, Hughston, Miller, Mikey Sanders, Nathan Ring, Trey Eason, Shawn Riley, Stephen Cappello, Todd Sherrer and Wayne Chermely. have been joined in this year’s ICC by Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris Saint Germain, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma.
The crown jewel on the fixture list, however, is El Clasico, last staged on foreign soil in Venezuela in 1982.
“Both teams have been pitched for many years, they’ve also been understandably reluctant to entrust this match to anyone, anywhere,” said Higgins.
“Many dreams to host a Clasico have died a quick death because of a reluctance to put that match on and what it took was Steve Ross and some good old shuttle diplomacy.
“We gave them the commitment that this wouldn’t be treated just as a match but a showcase of La Liga and European football.”