History was made in front of a bumper crowd at Fletcher's Fields in Markham Ontario on July 31ar, as the Team Canada Wolverines defeated the Jamaican national team 40-10. Both sides were champing at the bit to get at each other, and the match opened with both sides smashing and crashing into their respective lines, testing the waters. The first points came 6 minutes into the match as Jamaica was penalized for a high tackle. Stu McReynolds kicked through the opening points.
Canada then put through tries from Robin Legualt and Stu McReynolds, both touching down behind the posts. McReynolds added the extras on both. Jamaica were next to get on the scoreboard Sandino Hastings powering over the line, after some decent pressure from the visitors. Danny Tupou then scored 2 tries on both side of the half time break. At this point the Canadians were beginning to over power the Jamaicans who were looking overwhelmed by the 32 degree heat and the constant pressure Canada was able to put on. Louis Robinson then powered over for another try and the lead now 28-4 looked secure. Jamaica then answered with their last try of the afternoon Romaen "Gully" Campbell the scorer, and Marvin Thompson adding the extras. Tries from Chris Diamond and Trent Hansen both converted by McReynolds brought the final score to 40-10.
"This is a great win for Canada, for Rugby League in Canada, and for each and every player and coach that has put in so much time and effort to make this happen," said CRL Chairman Eric Perez. "the boys did the business today and we're all so proud of them." Captain Stephen Conlon had this to say when asked about the win. "We're very happy with the result, and to be able to avenge our loss in Jacksonville last year."
This win represented the first for Canada Rugby League and the Wolverines since being founded almost a year ago to the day, and signals Canada's intentions to be a force in international Rugby League.
Match Official: Paul Byrne
Robin Legault, Tony Felix, Stu McReynolds, Christian Miller, Danny Tupou, Jamie Lester, Matt Wyles, Steve London, Chris Diamond, Louis Robinson, Tim Mason, Henry Miers Trent Hansen, Subs: Tyler Allen, Dale Fitzgerald, Matt Gleed, Steve Lamb
Team Stats
Tries: Robin Legault (10), Stu McReynolds (18), Danny Tupou (2) (34, 42), Louis Robinson (54), Chris Diamond (62), Trent Hansen (71)
Goals: Stu McReynolds (6, 10, 18, 54, 62, 71)
Jamaica Team Members
Marvin Thompson, Claude Yen, Ryan Grant, Everton Richards, Jermaine Pinnock, Damen Gayle, Roy Calvert, Jade Harrison, Robert Rodney, Romaen Campbell, Nicholas Wright, Carlye Burger, Jahden Clarke Subs: Omar Jones Tyronie Rowe Adrian Myers, Sandino Hastings
Team Stats
Tries: Sandino Hastings (24), Romaen Campbell (58)
Goals: Marvin Thompson (60)
Penalty Count: Canada 7 Jamaica 11
Attendance: 1,213
Cutline - Top - happy Team Canada players after scoring .... again
Bottom - Over 1,200 people jammed the stands at Fletcher's Field in North Markham
Photographs by sweir
