Trinidad & Tobago 13 v Mexico 2
A quick start for Mexico resulted in their first goal of the competition courtesy of Luis Solorzano. Their celebration may have refocussed TTO as they responded x times in the half to enjoy a comfortable 6-1 lead at half time.
The second half was a similar story, TTO with the bulk of the pressure but once again the plucky Mexicans struck with Luis Aguilar tallying early in the second half. Nevertheless Trinidad & Tobago received full points in their 13-2 win and topped the standings with four wins.
Guyana 5 v Canada 8
Evening settled in at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as Guyana hosted Canada for a key matchup. Tied in points after three matches both teams would be looking for a victory. Canada nearly struck first after a great run by Ken Pereira setup Lyle Fernandes, but a diving save by Anthony Cole kept it out. Cole made another high glove save to deny the Canadians moments later. Canada finally got on the scoreboard with a powerful drag flick corner goal by Jonathan Roberts. Guyana had their share of chances but they were turned back by Pardeep Koonar.
Roberts pounced on a loose ball in the final minutes of the first half and buried it into the back board. This was followed up by a stunning run and setup by Micah Teixeira to Roberts for his third of the game.
Canada continued to push for goals. Teixeira scored on his own corner rebound to build a four goal lead, but Guyana’s Jamarj Assanah took advantage of a Canadian mistake and score their first.
Roberts scored Canada’s sixth on a Penalty Corner. That was matched by a thrilling strike by Marvin Dannett. It was a brief respite from the show Roberts was putting on, as he scored his sixth goal soon therafter, this time from the field.
Guyana wasn’t finished, Assanah scored a thriller as he drove left and then spun inside for the finishing shot. The match got rough with both teams trading yellow cards and Guyana pulling their keeper for the extra attacker.
It paid dividends for them with Aroydy Branford scoring on a blistering shot and Assanah completing his hat trick from a beautiful Branford pass. Their comeback was thrilling for the crowd but ultimately not enough as Jonathan Roberts’ six goals led Canada to an 8 to 5 victory.
Barbados 1 v Argentina 6
The final match of the day featured Argentina who were looking to improve their chances of making the final and Barbados who were looking to gain their first points. Argentina took an early lead from Leandro Lotta and added goals from Agustin Ceballos and Alfredo Sosa to take a 3-0 lead into the half.
Argentina were looking to boost their goal difference before their final pool match, however Barbados held strong with tough defensive performances by Dave Cox and Laurando Davis. Barbados was thrilled to put a late tally on the scoreboard with a great strike by Akeem Rudder. Final score Argentina 6 – Barbados 1
