A loud and appreciative crowd braved light evening showers to witness the Caribbean’s only semi-professional team make their bow and take on the Washington DC Slayers at the Mona Bowl, UWI for the inaugural Hotel Four Seasons Rugby League magic trophy.

The Hurricanes were first on the score board after a flowing move in mid field released flying winger Robert Rodney who easily scored on the right wing after only four minutes. The Slayers responded three minutes later when diminutive hooker Phil Hill sneaked over from a play the ball close to the posts. Andrew Payne then put the slayers up by four points after the big centre powered his way through on the left side.

The Hurricanes scored next on 15 minutes when the Slayers spilled the ball close to the half line and powerful prop Sandino Hastings showed he also has speed by sprinting 30 metres for a try. With the game locked at 8-all, the Slayers conceded a penalty for holding down close to their try line and Hurricanes Centre Ryan Grant slotted over the two points on offer. From there on it was all Hurricanes for the remainder of the half as two converted tries from Tyronie Rowe and scores from Renaldo Wade and Rodney’s second put the home team up 32-8 at the break.

Washington came out firing on all cylinders early in the second half and scored first when winger John Young went over in the right corner. The Slayers were again pressing when Hurricanes centre Everton Richards snatched a wayward pass on his own 20m line and raced the near length of the field to push the Hurricanes farther ahead. From there on the local side took complete control with converted tries from Rowe (2), Andre Reid, Ryan Spence and Richards pushing the score to 66 points. Conversions for the Hurricanes were by Ryan Grant (5) and Roy Calvert (3). Rich Nolte and Ranoy Stephens added two more tries for the Slayers, taking them to 24 points.

Reflecting on the game, Danny Hanson coach of the Slayers commented, “"We went into the match with a plan to channel Jamaica back inside to our big players but they effectively got the ball outside on us. While the defeat stings, it was an honour to watch a strong disciplined side effectively move the ball all day. Jamaica has a strong future in international rugby league."

Meanwhile coach of the Hurricanes, Roy Calvert, was pleased with the outcome, “We stuck in there and got the job done, it was a top performance by the boys and we really appreciate the support of Hotel Four Season and the Slayers for making this match happen”.

Squads.
Washington DC Slayers: Andrew Payne, Anthony Guess, Dain Bentley, Dave Parmiter, Jack Dunn, Jaron McLaurin, JC Rocha, John Young, Justin Barlogio, Matt McBay, Paul Glodzik, Phil Hill, Randy Stephens, Richard Nolte, Trevor Peterson, Young Woo, Coach: Danny Hanson

Hurricanes Jamaica: Fabion Turner, Robert Rodney, Ryan Grant, Everton Richards, Andre Reid, Romaen Cambell, Tyronie Rowe, Ryan Spence, Renaldo Wade, Andrew Phillips, Adrian Myers, Nathan Campbell, Sandino Hastings, Omar Jones, Ryan Hall, Player Coach: Roy Calvert