The Tribune

FIVE TRIES backed up by an almost flawless place kicking display gave Mexico a convincing 39-3 victory over the Bahamas on Saturday afternoon at the Winton Rugby Field in the host nation's opening 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification match.

The Bahamas weathered early pressure and in their first foray into Mexico territory won a penalty. But fly half Brian Baker's attempt hit the upright and the chance to take the lead lost.

The first half was dominated by a forwards battle with few attacking openings for either side. But five minutes before half time a break down the left saw Mexico cross for a converted try as they finished the half strongly.

Baker got the home side on the scoreboard with a penalty as the Bahamas came out strongly after the interval but they were unable to maintain the momentum. Mexico stretched their lead with another raid down the left for a try, converted from wide out, and then moved 17-3 ahead with a penalty.

They were rewarded for their increasing pressure with a third try with 10 minutes to go, converted from wide out on the left, and a penalty stretched the lead to 27-3.

Another try down the left, again converted, made it 34-3 but the Bahamas fought hard, running a succession of late penalties around the Mexico 22. But they never looked like breaching the Mexican defence and had to play the final minutes with 14 players after having a man sent to the sin bin.

Mexico capitalised - inevitably down the left - with a fifth try on the final whistle - but the conversion attempt hit the post.

The Bahamas travel to play the Cayman Islands on May 21 and then finish in Bermuda on June 4 in their Rugby Americas North Zone Championships/World Cup qualification campaign.

Full report and photographs see Monday's Tribune