Bermuda U16 Toronto Rugby Tour Report
With six schools being represented as part of the Bermuda U16 Squad and after a rigorous six months training under the guidance of Coach Patrick Calow and Coach Devrae Noel-Simmons the team arrived excited and well prepared for their tour to Toronto.
During their tour they have two competitive fixtures against Trinity College School U16 and a combined team from Country Day School/Aurora Barbarians U16’s.
Bermuda U16 squad with coaches before departing for Toronto
Upon being greeted by their hosts, players met the next morning where they were guests of honor for the chapel service at Trinity College School. The squad was then treated to a guided tour around the school by pupils showing them the facilities and what life is like a Trinity College School.
The school has rich history, after being founded in 1865 and very welcoming culture with many Bermudians having attended or are currently attending. After this the players had a brief training session in the morning before the game to help get the lay of the pitch and feel for the conditions they would be facing.
Bermuda U16 squad running through some team plays taking on the team
Game 1 – Trinity College School U16 vs Bermuda U16
The testing conditions seemed to be a constant theme for the U16 squad who unfamiliar icy cold conditions. This suited home team who started the better with early pressure being rewarded with a converted penalty. Bermuda started to work their way into the game with some destructive ball carrying from Nick De Costa, Nick Pell helping to inspire Bermuda forward.
Some final words before kick-off against Trinity College School
Bermuda continued to pressure the home side with great handling skills from Rory Crofts and Peter Calow to put Chaokte Wainwright-Basden and Ryan Brown in some space to counter attack. However, silly mistakes at crucial times would punish Bermuda. After a dropped ball by Bermuda and is collected by a Trinity College player they are rewarded with the games first score. The home team successfully converted the try bring the score at half-time 10-0.
Action shot against Trinity College School
As the second half got under way, Bermuda begin to dominate at the scrum helping to create an excellent platform for the backs to attack. Which Jonathan Alves, Ryan Brown and Nakeno Creighton used to their full advantage with some great attacking breaks into the heart of the Trinity defense. After sustained pressure the Trinity defense couldn’t keep Bermuda out for much longer with Rory Crofts setting up Nick De Costa who went over to score on the far touchline. The conversion was missed which brought the score 10-5.
Keyanho Bean competes for ball at the line-out
After conceding a try Trinity raised their game and pinned Bermuda back within their own half with several probing kicks. In windy and cold conditions the away team found it difficult to clear the ball away. This enabled Trinity to gain excellent field position and they showed good composure and handling skills to go over for their second score midway through the second half. The conversion was missed, 15-5.
To Bermuda’s credit they didn’t give up with some bone crunching tackles from Keyanho Bean around the field and strong carries from Deneko Hayward and Ashton Rubaine. However, it wasn’t to be with Trinity’s defense holding strong to the end finishing 15-5.
Team photo with Bermuda and Trinity College School U16’s
Game 2 – Country Day School/Aurora Barbarians U16 vs Bermuda U16
After a short bus drive from Trinity College School, Bermuda got set to take on a select team from County Day School and Aurora Barbarians. With -3’C wind chill and snow on the field as the team arrived, Bermuda knew they were in for a challenging afternoon with the elements and a strong opposition that faced them.
Both teams found it difficult to keep possession of ball making simple handling in pivotal positions of the field. However, Bermuda were the first to strike with points after great take in the line-out by Keyanho Bean this set the platform for Peter Calow to pass to Chaokte Wainwright-Basden who showed powerful running skills to get over for the score. The conversion was successful by Rory Crofts, 7-0 to Bermuda.
Keyanho Bean on the charge against County Day School U16’s
The harsh weather continued and County Day School soon realized to use the elements in their favor with several deep kicks which Bermuda struggled to cope with effectively. This resulted in two scores in succession for County Day School as they capitalized on some poor defense by Bermuda and went over for two soft scores before half-time. Only one of the conversions was successful for Country Day School and Bermuda were down 12-7.
Kenzo Iris leaps up for the ball in extremely cold conditions against County Day School U16’s
Whatever was said at half-time appeared to work for Bermuda as in the second-half it was their turn to use the elements in their favor, as scrum-half Rory Crofts put in several excellent kicks deep into the opposition half. With some brilliant following up by Ferdinand Arnold, Raguel Dill and Calum Maule Bermuda increased the pressure on County Day School.
Cold conditions are evident as Captain Nick Pell and Centre Calum Maule have a quick chat with referee
This pressure was rewarded from a quick penalty by Keyanho Bean who beat a number of defenders as he went over the line. The conversion was missed bringing the score to 12-12. A nervous exchange would continue between the two sides as the scoreline was stuck at 12-12. Some resolute defensive work as a team kept Bermuda in the game.
In particular James Patterson, Nick Pell, Cameron Caines and Jonathan Speight fought hard after a sustained bout of pressure from Country Day to ensure didn’t make it over the line. A last opportunity came Bermuda’s way when loose ball was picked up in midfield by Chaokte Wainwright-Basden who made some excellent progress up the field. As the ball was spread out it was dropped at a crucial time and the game ended in a tie.
Not quite the finish Bermuda would have liked but Coach Patrick Calow and Coach Devrae Noel-Simmons were extremely proud of how their players played in extremely challenging conditions.
Bermuda U16 Squad after their final game on tour
