T&T women defeated at rugby sevens series

T&T’s closed off its account in its debut appearance at the IRB Women’s World Sevens Series, yesterday with a 34–10 defeat to Japan in the bowl semifinal at the BBVA Compass Stadium, in Texas, USA, yesterday.

T&T, which was down 7–0 within three minutes, responded in the fourth with a try from captain Juliana Straker, which went unconverted from Nicolette Pantor. Two minutes later, Japan extended its lead, only to allow T&T back in the match again through a try from Taliah Wilson. With the score at 12–10, Straker stepped up for the kick but missed the target.

The second half was less competitive from the Asian’s viewpoint as they got another try with 30 seconds gone, then to score a further three tries, only one of which was converted. In the end, Japan won comfortably, against the T&T team which was one of the most well received by the spectators.

T&T, which finished last in a very difficult Pool A, entertained the crowd with tough tackles, led mostly through its energetic skipper, Straker.

Straker scored the only try for T&T, which lost to New Zealand (50–0), England (48–0) and the Netherlands (38–5) on the opening day.  Similar to T&T, Argentina and Brazil finished rooted at the bottom of Pool B and C, respectively, after losing all three of their matches.

Coach Kitt Andrews-Nero’s team were in action for the 11th/12th place playoff up to press time last evening.

Results

Semifinal 
Japan 34 vs T&T 10 (Juliana Straker try, Taliah Wilson try)

Pool A
Netherlands 38 vs T&T 5 (Juliana Straker try)
England 48 vs T&T 0
New Zealand 50 vs T&T 0