IF ANYBODY HAS SOME PICTURES TO GO WITH THIS ARTICLE, CAN I PLEASE GET THEM

After a Nassau Clubs side, which included 6 national team players, got righteously beaten, 58-3 on the previous Saturday, a fair few of us supporters were pretty concerned about the damage the US Combined Services might do to a Nassau Select XV.


The US Combined Services came back from a mid-week match against Cayman which they won 16-12 and were obviously confident of getting the win. They are not like most US teams that visit our islands, in that they didn't come here, primarily on a 'jolly' and took their rugby very seriously.

More often than not, US teams that visit Nassau get beaten because:

a. A touring side is always weakened as many players cannot travel
b. The guys have been out enjoying the Nassau nightlife

c. Most touring teams are not used to playing in the heat
d. (The main reason) Most US rugby players come from the Football tradition, which is more of an aerobic sport. We often find that they storm out early, but if we can hold them close for 20 minutes our superior fitness will win out.


This cannot be said of the Combined Services team, thye are extremely fit, play good solid rugby and are justifiably respected wherever they play.

Follow up:

Our boys, augmented several National Squad members, were relatively upbeat about the prospect. Our backs, having just returned from a quite successful trip to the Cape Fear 7s were fit and our forwards (with the exception of the back row) had all gained weight (to put it politely).

There were also a few youth players who had come throught the ranks and were getting their first exposure to 'first team' rugby.
Of particular note were Carl McCartney, who's currently in school in Canada; Duran Beadle of Baillou, joining him in the centre, and 17-year-old Owen Hanna of SAC High.


Head coach, Stephen Thompson had conducted a few sessions with the guys in the build-up and he seemed quite relaxed, but I wasn't.

The Combined Services went up early in the game with a penalty 0-3 and took control of much of the opening period. They increased their lead on 20 minutes thanks to a converted try: 0-10. Nassau replied with a Kevin Salabie penalty to make the score 3-10 at the half.



The second half came to life for us thanks to a solo display by Gio Rolle. The lightning quick young Freeport wing ran 50yds, beating two, chipping through to gather his own ball and score under the posts. Salabie converted: 10-10. Combined Services replied with another penalty: 10-13, and there followed a gruelling period of forward play, during which John Wells, the referee and National team assistant coach uttered the immortal line:

"Scrum! We were going forward, so....."

A few of our forwards dropped their heads into their hands after that one.

On 70 minutes, the ball forged a reluctant passage to Owen Hanna on the other wing, his pace took him 25 yds uncontested to score in the corner: 15-13.


And there it stayed until the final whistle and ovefr to the tennis club where the US Ambassador hosted a reception for the teams.


Without question, the US Combined services are one of the best sides we've had in Nassau and they were a greatside to host. Special thanks go to Kareem 'Monty' Montague (4th from left in picture above) who organised this highly successful the tour.


We hope to see you in Nassau again some day.



Match Report from Charles "Nacho" Smith:

In the last of the two games played between the US Combined Services and the Nassau Select Team spectators saw a revitalized and revamped squadfrom what played last week. Saturday's game saw a number of players eager to settle wounded scars left behind by The USCS team. From the kick off it was going to be a shell shocker as many of The USCS players saw it difficult to break the Bahamian Line of Defense. Tackles were actually being made and the ball was getting pass the Hookers Feet.
The game was won upfront by, with a solid front row consisting of Charles, Mario and Garfield. By wining our scrums and most of there's the Bahamas was able to secure more possessions enabling players like Geo to orchestrate a magnificent try. New players like Carl and Owen stepped up to the plate and played there hearts out. Through this daring and outstanding act of play the Bahamas was able to drop a "Shock and Awe" performance over the USCS with a 15-13 win. Our hats goes off to the USCS, they are a good team and don't lose many games and this win signifies our progress on the World Rugby Stage.
Thanks to the US Ambassador for inviting us for drinks and food at the tennis club, Mario enjoyed all four plates.

Related Articles: US Combined Services Rugby to Tour Nassau | The Andy Davies Caption Competition | Nassau Clubs Trounced by US Combined Services