Colombia win South America U18 rugby tournament in Peru

South America U18 international rugby tournament (Round 3)

The South America B Under 18 rugby tournament reached its third and final round today in Chiclayo, Peru. Playing some impressive rugby in their first two games, Colombia and Mexico were meeting in the final, with Peru and Venezuela in a decider for third place in the tournament.

Venezuela versus Peru

First up on a real hot winter’s day at the splendid, artificial turf rugby pitch at San Jose College were the Tumis from Peru playing the Vino Tinto of Venezuela. Both teams were desperate to put in a good show, get some points on the board and their first win of the tournament.

Peru opened the score with a converted try after ten minutes. Venezuela came back with their first try after 14 minutes, unconverted. Peru went over the line twice in rapid succession only to have the tries turned down for  a forward pass and then an illegal double move. It was third time lucky though after 29 minutes and with the conversion, Peru went into the half time up by 14-5. The Tumis kept their turbines running in the second half with three more tries.  Diego Severino Salazar got a hat trick (three tries) and Giovanni Martina Lescano added one try plus three conversions. A much better performance and one to build on for the future of this young team.

Final score: Venezuela 5 – 31 Peru

Colombia versus Mexico

With both packs weighing in a heavy but mobile load this was quite  an upfront forwards battle. Both teams had speed in the three-quarter line-up as well. In a thrilling game, the lead changed twice before half time when it was tied at 19 points each. Mexico took the lead to 26-19 shortly after the turn around with a converted try. The Colombians battled back throwing the ball out to the wing with a try in the left hand corner.  It was too far out to make the conversion, leaving The Toucans trailing by two points, 24-22. It looked like Mexico had sealed their championship win, but in the last minute of play, Colombia scored a try to just clinch the game.

Final score: Colombia 27 – 24 Mexico

Final tournament results

Colombia with three wins are the champions of this year’s South America B U18 tournament. Mexico were runners up. Peru came third and closing things out were Venezuela. Congratulations to all of the teams for a splendid tournament and especially to Felipe Barrera (Captain), William Leon (Head Coach) and all the other players in theToucans team from Colombia.

For more photos from the South America U18 rugby tournament, please visit:

J. Ashley Nixon Photography