Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Guyana's Desaun Josiah (left), and Jamaica's Christina Smith challenge for the ball during their Caribbean Women's Rugby 15s clash at the University of West Indies, Mona Bowl yesterday. At right is Jamaica's Syddonie Steele, while Carren Skeetle (number six of Guyana) looks on. - photo by colin hamilton

GUYANA BEAT Jamaica 6-5 in the opening match of the 2006 Caribbean Women's Rugby 15s at the University of West Indies' Mona Bowl yesterday. In wet and muddy condition, Jamaica, who led 5-0 at one stage, gave up two penalties in both halves.

Andrea Lashley scored both penalties for the visitors with the last one coming in the last four minutes. When the referee blew the final whistle, most of the Jamaican players broke down in tears.

Kadian Gayle scored a try for Jamaica to give the home team its only points of the game.

Jamaica's coach, Victor Hyde, said after the game that his girls gave their best.

Gave away penalties

"They did their best. It's only that they gave away too many penalties," Hyde said.

"They were not reading the ball game enough to realise that our original kickers are playing with injuries," he said.

Meanwhile, Guyana's captain, Carrin Carter, said beating Jamaica was a huge triumph for her side. "It is a victorious moment for us because this is our first 15s tournament at the national level and we only had a month," Carter said.

"Now, here we are enjoying our victory," she said.

Action resumes tomorrow in the three-team tournament with Guyana facing fellow visitors Trinidad and Tobago at the same venue at 4:00 p.m.