BVI Rugby Football Union
BVI National Under 23 squad placed 3rd in Rugby Paradise Smash Collegiate Tournament 2017. Photo: Christine Nissen/BVIRFU
The BVI National Under 23 squad returned from an excellent display of rugby March 25 at the neighboring Rugby Paradise Smash in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands finishing in 3rd place but gaining much respect from their coaches and peers.
BVI lost it’s first match to US Stars in a 19 – 0 shutout. The lads showed a lot of grit but were overcome by the skills and organization of their American opposition.
With their bodies bruised but their spirits intact they went on to dominate Bowdoin College physically with the might of Kareem “Burger” Ettienne smashing through their defense on the way to the try line. Colin Beckham scampered through the defense to rack up his first points for the BVI in an excellent display of flowing rugby. Noel Maxwell picked up a try and scored 2 conversions out of 3. BVI ended the match 19 – 12 to pick up a much needed win and set them up for a match that could secure them a place in the finals.
Unconverted tries by Joseph Smith and Paul Oliver were not enough to take down Babson’s barrage of 4 converted tries and Babson College of Massachusetts took the win 28 -10.
With only 1 win out of 3, the BVI did not make the finals and took on Bowdoin for 3rd place. The young BVI lads were able to take the match 20 – 7 with Captain Victor Amparo picking up 2 tries along with big man “Burger” mowing down all in his path for another score. Noel Maxwell was also able to get on the score sheet with is own try. None of the 4 were converted.
Joseph Smith and Kareem “Burger” Ettienne were selected to the All Star Team.
BVI RFU are very proud of what our team did at this tournament and intend to continue building up our program to compete internationally and give our players as much exposure as they look to achieve.
