Juan Pablo Andrade scored the first two of Mexico’s seven tries as they ran out 47-7 winners over St Vincent and The Grenadines on Saturday March 29th in a pre-qualifier for the right to enter the NAWIRA qualifying round in the Cayman Islands for Rugby World Cup 2011.


Mexico were physically superior to their hosts and dominated the set pieces and possession at the National Cricket Stadium in Arnos Vale, establishing a 23-0 lead at half time with centre Richard Quintana touching down after fly half Andrade’s double.
Wing Carlos Peterson increased that advantage with Mexico’s fourth try before centre Dugal James gave the home fans something to cheer by touching down for SVG in the 51st minute.

Lorson Lewis kicked the conversion to make it 28-7, but Mexico responded with tries from replacements Luis Bullrich and Gabrielle Nanni before Peterson claimed the final score of the match four minutes from time.
Jacqui De Freitas (SVGRFU President) and her band of volunteers were in many ways the story of this event. Accommodation and internal transportation were first class, the hosting friendly, and the venue excellent, with a full size bowling-green-quality pitch, national anthems, flags, catering, announcements, post-match Vincentian meal, ambulance and medical personnel all coordinated, and team needs taken care of superbly. The crowd wasn’t great, which is a shame, but in all other ways (but for the loss) this was a banner day for the Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Rugby Football Union.


Source: IRB, by email