The National Under 23 Rugby Squad recently finished third at the Rugby Paradise Smash in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Photo: Provided

The team lost its first match to US Stars in a shutout 19 – 0, and showed a lot of grit but were overcome by the skills and organisation of their American opposition.

With their bodies bruised but their spirits intact, they went on to dominate Bowdin College physically with the might of Kareem "Burger" Ettienne smashing through their defense on the way to the try line. Colin Beckham scampered through the defense to rack up his first points for the VI in an excellent display of flowing rugby. Noel Maxwell picked up a try and scored 2 conversions out of 3.

VI ended the match 19 - 12 to pick up a much needed win and set them up for a match that could secure them a place in the finals.

Unconverted tries by Joseph Smith and Paul Oliver were not enough to take down Babson's barrage of 4 converted tries and Babson College of Massachusetts took the win 28 -10.

3^rd place match

With only 1 win out of 3, the VI did not make the finals and took on Bowdin for 3rd place. The young VI lads were able to take the match 20 - 7 with Captain Victor Amparo picking up 2 tries along with big man "Burger" mowing down all in his path for another score. Noel Maxwell was also able to get on the score sheet with his own try. None of the 4 were converted.

Joseph Smith and Kareem "Burger" Ettienne were selected to the All Star Team.

The BVI RFU says it is very proud of what the team did at this tournament and intend to continue building up its programme to compete internationally and give our players as much exposure as they look to achieve.