Panthers hunt Falcons in first rugby 12s match

The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) opened its inter-club season last Sunday at the National Park in Georgetown with what was the first ever 12s competition hosted by the GRFU.
The 12s format is fairly new, with teams consisting of 6 forwards and 6 backs; and the GRFU’s introduction to the 12s format came with exhilarating action, as a head-to-head clash between archrivals Police Falcons and Panthers unfolded.
Panthers, who have been one of the most dominant clubs for a number of years, defeated Police Falcons 24-19 at the close of play. In the thrilling encounter, Falcons drew first blood through a series of passes and the brawny figure of Shawn David. Lionel Holder then added the two points with a conversion.
Holder later burst the shaky defensive Panthers line to score a try, with the experience of Theodore Henry sealing the conversion.
Retaining possession, David again bullied his way to the try line, after forcing the opposition to make numerous tackles. A try from Panthers’ Ryan Dey left the score chart 19-5 at the end of the first half.

After backpedalling in the first 20 minutes, Panthers rebounded when the match resumed with a try from D’Arcy Durant, who evaded three defenders. A kick off Godfrey Broomes’s shoes left the match 12-19. Broomes returned with a try, but a missed conversion left Falcons ahead at 19-17.
With two minutes to the final whistle, Broomes again pierced the defence to score a five-pointer for his team. Makaya Smith then sealed the game with a conversion to end the match at 24-19.
Panthers will be taking on the Guyana Defence Force on Sunday, 19th February at 4pm in the National Park.