The Cayman Islands secured a hard-fought 18-10 victory over Bermuda in the 2025 RAN Men’s XVs at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on 13 June.
In a closely contested affair that never allowed either side to pull away on the scoreboard, the home team’s superior execution in key moments proved decisive before a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators.
Bermuda drew first blood through an opportunistic try when the Cayman lineout malfunctioned, allowing the visitors to capitalise on the spilled ball.
Hadley Tucker converted to give Bermuda a 7-0 lead.
Cayman responded with a penalty from fly-half Harry Clark to reduce the deficit to 7-3, which remained the halftime score after an intense opening 40 minutes characterised by ferocious defensive pressure from both sides.
The second half saw Cayman take the lead for the first time when centre Mikey Wilson intercepted a loose Bermuda pass and raced in from 25 metres.
Clark’s conversion attempt struck the post, leaving Cayman ahead 8-7.
Clark added another penalty to extend the lead to 11-7 before being forced off with an injury.
Bermuda responded with a penalty of their own through Tucker to narrow the gap to 11-10, setting up a tense finale.
The decisive moment came when Wilson struck again, capitalising on another loose Bermuda pass to score his second try.
Eddie Weston, who had replaced the injured Clark, converted to seal the 18-10 victory.
Cayman captain Richard Hooper led from the front, while scrum-half David Stringer was instrumental throughout with his box-kicking and distribution.
For Bermuda, Tucker was outstanding in the white headgear, and captain Darren Richardson dominated the scrums until his substitution.
The match was notable for its physical intensity, with Bermuda receiving two yellow cards in the second half that hampered their comeback efforts.
Mexican referee Fernando Garcia, assisted by Nick Fox, managed the contest well despite the rising tensions.
The victory follows Cayman’s impressive 48-17 win over Guyana in Georgetown in April and continues their positive momentum in Caribbean rugby.
