A heavy rain began at around 2pm on match day and steadily drenched the the entire city.  Despite the torrential conditions 3,129 fans braved the downpour to take in the 4th annual Caribbean Carnival Cup, a trophy Canada has won 3 years in succession leading into the contest. Lamport Stadium was rocking and the fans were not disappointed, as the match was an absolute classic.  

The weather played its part and despite the best efforts of both sides which traded back and forth attempts at glory, neither team could break the deadlock.  20 minutes into the first half, it was the visitors that opened the scoring.  Nathan Campbell broke three tackles to score from 40 metres out, to give Jamaica a surprise lead.  

Ryan Grant added the extras. Canada then responded in style 7 minutes later when Tom Clancy scored his first try for Canada, a brilliant solo effort and spin 'o' rama to cross the line under the posts.  Steve Piatek added the extras to even the scoreline at 6. Less than two minutes later Canada would extend their lead, Cam Grace pounding the ball in after a botched kick off by Jamaica resulted in great field position for the Wolverines.  Piatek was again successful in the conversion making the score 12-6.

Canada then went further ahead 7 minutes later.  After a strong set which saw Canada 5 metres from the Jamaican try line, Joe Perez Bangay used his speed and guile to sneak over from dummy half.  Steve Piatek added the extras to make the score 18-6 Canada.  With 3 minutes to play in the first half Jamaica then struck back.  Hamish Barnes breaking the line to trot 70 metres for the try to make the score 18-10.  A late Jamaica penalty lead to Steve Piatek slotting in the resulting kick to make the half time score Canada 20 Jamaica 10.  

The second half started out much like the first.  A see saw battle for 14 minutes until one side finally broke the deadlock.  This time it was Canada. Inspirational captain Matt Wyles put in a cheeky grubber on 5th tackle that was latched onto by speedy winger Brett King to extend the lead to 24-10.

With ten minutes to play Jamaica began putting on the pressure and despite a pair of late tries from Corey Hanson and Renaldo Wade, Canada held on in the pouring rain to win their fourth straight Caribbean Carnival Cup 24 - 20.  For coach Stuart Donlan the match marked his first victory as a head coach and Canada's first victory of 2014.  

Next up for Canada, the Colonial Cup Championship match against the world cup quarterfinalists the United States of America on August 9th at Lamport Stadium in Toronto.  Only time will tell if they can break the USA's 4 year stranglehold on the trophy.  One thing is for certain the confidence gained from this match will play a factor. 

Pictured: Jamaica's Tyronie Rowe is greeted by Canada's defence. Photo courtesy of Kuekuatsu Photography.

CANADA
Danny Tupou, Brett King, Christian Miller, Lukas Silver, Tony Felix, Matt Wyles, Steve Piatek, Rob Autagavaia, Adam Moody, Cam Grace, Tom Clancy, Billy Skidgmore, Denny McCarthy, Chad Bain, Erick Alvarado, Braden Stubel, Joe Perez-Bangay

JAMAICA
Joseph Shae, Adrian Mckenzie, Hamish Barnes, Corey Hanson, Renaldo Wade, Ryan Grant, Robert Rodney, Antonio Baker, Marvin Thompson, Alec Harris, Nathan Campbell, Khamisi McKain, Jermaine Pinnock, Chevaughn Bailey, Greg Hall, Tyronie Rowe, Kenardo Morgan