Jamaica defeated Canada in their doubleheader matches at the University of West Indies’ Mona Bowl in Kingston. The senior men’s side overcame the Wolverines 34-12, centre Tahj-Jay Lynch with a hat trick, while the junior Reggae Warriors took the inaugural U19s clash between the nations 42-24, running in eight tries, three of them spectacular long range efforts.

“I would like to thank the Canadian rugby league for sending two teams, especially at a time that our country is going through so much after the hurricane here,” said Jamaica men’s coach Roy Calvert. “It has been a real morale boost. 

“We had a very rough, interrupted preparation but we stuck to it, the guys did what they were asked to, gave 80 minutes effort, and that pulled us over the line.”

Back rower Jenson Morris and Lynch with his opener got the hosts off to a flying start, Jason Chuck with the first of his two tries crossing for the visitors who were behind 14-4 at the break. Ricardo Richards and Joseph Daley crossed inside four minutes straight after the break to extend Jamaica’s lead, Chuck and winger Oliver Lenahan – who played the full U19s game - sandwiching a further two Lynch touchdowns.

Canada men’s head coach, Aaron Zimmerle, commented: “It was a pleasure for us to come to Jamaica. I know the country is hurting after suffering through the hurricane and for our players to see how theirs have rallied around that, there are things more important than the result.

“We had nine debutants and I was really proud with a couple of our younger ones, Oliver Lenahan was our most damaging player. To see him come through the Canadian player pathway system, I’m excited to see what he and others like him can become.”