Article by Dahalia Smith in today's Bahama Journal.


The Vice President’s XV beat the President’s XV team 15-5 in a Bahamas Rugby and Football Union’s match on Saturday at the Winton Rugby Field, kicking off the 2006 Season.


Jamaal Curry from the President’s team scored a try in the first half leading his team to a 5-0 lead by half time.


However in the second half, Vice President’s Timmy Thompson came through with a crucial try and he converted for an accumulated seven points. In addition, Thompson made a successful penalty kick for a 10-5 lead. (?)


Thompson’s teammate Kevin Salabie also had a try in the second half to clinch the victory.


Vice President’s team member and Buccaneers’ captain Tim Perkins said after the game that both teams were evenly matched.

"Despite the rainy conditions the ball handling and skill level were quit high. As far as the Buccaneers are concerned we are in good condition heading into the series. The team is mostly made up of Bahamians now because there are only two ex-pats on the squad, Mr. Bauer and I,"

Perkins said.


Each of the four teams competing in the series is required to enter a junior high school team. According to Perkins his club has been working with high school players from SAC and Doris Johnson.

Follow up:

"We have been recruiting players from the high schools for the past three years. Currently the junior players who joined the programme three years ago are now making major contributions to the sport and league playing on the senior squad. The enthusiasm among the juniors is encouraging,"

explained Perkins.


Meanwhile Curry gave his reasons for the defeat.

"In the second half we switched up our back line. Then the rain came down and that adversely affected us because the ball was wet and was slipping out of our hands frequently. Overall I think we played well and it is a good way to kick off the series. Most of the members on my team (the Cuckoos) are eager to get back on the field and defend our title,"

said Curry.


Sevens’ action is set to begin this Saturday, October, 7 with six games scheduled, beginning at 2:30 p.m.


The first game will be held between Baillou and Buccaneers’ ‘A’ teams. The rest of the schedule has the Cuckoos in the second game against the Dragons in the "B" Division; An "A" Division contest between the Cuckoos and Baillou; the Cuckoos "B’ Division team against Baillou; and the "A" Dragons against Baillou.


Practice sessions for the Buccaneers are held at the Winton facility on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and the Cuckoos train at Fort Charlotte at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


In other rugby news, the National Sevens’ Team is expected to participate at the 2006 edition of the Rugby World Cup Sevens’ Qualifier set for Barbados November 11-12.


The team will travel on Friday, November 10 and return Monday, November 13.