Canada maintained their unbeaten home record against Jamaica in men’s senior internationals, taking it to six games on the trot with a 28-6 victory at the Lamport Stadium, Toronto. In a close first half, the Wolverines led 8-6, but four tries after the break, fullback Colton Carpenter grabbing a second, saw the hosts home.
“It was a strong effort by the boys throughout,” said Canada men’s head coach Aaron Zimmerle. “On the heels of a hard-fought game in Vegas vs the United States earlier in the season, the increased frequency of internationals is beginning to show on the field. I’m really proud to play a part in the growth of rugby league in Canada – there’s something great building up here.”
CRLA president, John Cameron, added: “We were delighted to welcome Jamaica back and hope to make it a more regular occurrence. There’s a large Jamaican community in Toronto, which made for an atmosphere of almost two home teams. It truly felt like a rugby family affair. We look forward to visiting Jamaica next year.”
Kymani Green gave the Reggae Warriors the lead with a try and goal, but they could not sustain the pressure. “Kudos to Canada on a good win,” said Jamaica lead coach Roy Calvert. “It’s always tough playing away from home and I’m proud of how we came together to represent the nation. We had a decent first half but we fell off in the last forty. We continue to grow our programmes and look forward to the next challenge.”
CANADA 28
Colton Carpenter, Josh Michalik, Adam Timler, David Froome, Lee Keegel, Blake Mahovic, Jacob Bourne, Ethan Ohlmann, Ben Stothers, Charles Curran, Jason Chuck, Jason Park, Scyler Dumas
Subs: Kyle Yurkiw, Mitch Talbot, Daniel Martyn, Nathan Roberts
Tries: Michalik (11), Carpenter (25, 59), Keegel (42), Mahovic (67), Ohlmann (80)
Goals: Bourne 1/5, Park 1/1
JAMAICA 6
Javian Bryan, Jenson Morris, Alpachino Mignott, Jimmy Morgan, Orlando Jones, Kymani Green, Marvin Thompson, Tyrone Rowe, Aaron Jones-Bishop, Tremaine Thompson-Griffiths, Leo Skerrett-Evans, Joshua Hill, Lamont Bryan
Subs: Michael Pearson, Ricardo Richards, Romario Bartley, Adrian Thomas,
Try: Green 9’
Goal: Green 1/1
Half time: 8-6
Referee: Kemoy Whyte