BARBADOS (July 20, 2019) – Mexico has been crowned 2019 Rugby Americas North Women’s 10s Tournament Champions after defeating Jamaica in the cup final on Saturday afternoon at Bellevue Plantation Polo Club. The day kicked off with four quarter final matches, with USA South, Mexico, Saint Lucia and Jamaica advancing to the final four, while Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados dropped down to the plate competition. The first semi-final proved to be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. Mexico built up a 17-point lead heading into half time, however two unconverted tries from USA South pulled the Americans within one converted try. However, Mexico would be victorious as their defensive wall stood tall. The loss means that for the first time in the history of the tournament, USA South would not compete for a gold medal. In the second semi-final Jamaica’s pace proved too much for Saint Lucia as they walked into the final with a 19 – 0 win. In the gold medal match, Jamaica threw everything they could at Mexico but it wasn’t enough as they failed to break through the defence. Mexico played a brilliant 20 minute match and were resulted with a 22 – 0 championship victory. USA South closed out the competition by winning the bronze medal, while Dominican Republic – who were playing in their first 10s tournament – picked up 5th place and Barbados won the 7th place final. Also playing in their first international 10s tournament, Curaçao lost all six of their matches, but scored a highlight reel 70m try in their final game to cap off their efforts.
Sunday sees the finale of the Men’s Under-19 tournament. For the fifth consecutive year USA South will meet Mexico in the gold medal match, while Bermuda will take on Trinidad & Tobago for bronze. All matches on Sunday will be back to two 35-minute halves. All of the action on Sunday can be seen live on Rugby Americas North’s Facebook & Youtube pages starting at 10am local time.
