USA Hawks survived a late fightback by Jamaica to triumph 30-26 at the Mona Bowl, University of West Indies in Kingston.
Tahj-Jay Lynch scored his second try in the 77th minute and Kenneth Walker crossed just before fulltime but it was not enough for the Reggae Warriors as they went down in front of a strong home crowd.
Jamaica led 10-0 early on, despite having less possession, but the Hawks hit back to be ahead 14-10 at the break, with Brooklyn Kings centre Kyle Granby scoring two of his three tries in the lead up to half time.
Granby, who also kicked two goals, completed a genuine, five-minute hat trick just after the restart before Lynch got the Reggae Warriors back in the game with his second try in the 50th minute.
Tries to veteran forward Joe Eichhner in the 60th minute and five-eighth Ryan Bannerot 11 minutes later appeared to have sealed the win but Jamaica refused to give up.
USA skipper, Peter Lupton, commented: “It was back and forth and we had to deal with some big players, it was tough from start to finish. We only had one session ahead of the game, with the players working on their own fitness.
“It’s been a good turnaround and a win for us but definitely a success for both sides. I was surprised with the size of the crowd and the support they gave to the Jamaican side. It was a great experience.”
The hosts lost Andrew Simpson in the first half and Kevin Thomas in the second to injury, limiting their bench.
Jamaica coach, Roy Calvert, said: “I want to thank the Hawks for visiting Jamaica, we had a great turnout of supporters and today will have showcased us to potential sponsors and volunteers, raising our profile here.
“It was a fantastic occasion despite the narrow loss. We’re 1-1 now for games between the nations played here in Jamaica and are looking forward to the next one.”
JAMAICA REGGAE WARRIORS 26
Andrew Simpson, Kamarine Williams, Ryan Grant, Tahj-Jay Lynch, Kenneth Walker, Chevaughn Bailey, Marvin Thompson, Owen Linton, Adrian Hall, Omar Jones, Kevin Thomas, Reinhard Richards, Daniel Graham. Interchanges: Akkem Murray, Kile Nembhard, Hakeem Richards, Oshane Edie.
Tries: Williams (15), Graham (22), Lynch, (50, 77), Walker (80); Goals: Ryan Grant 1/2, Chevaughn Bailey 1/2, Adrian Hall 1/1
USA HAWKS 30
David Washington, James Williams, Jason Martin, Kyle Granby, Urban Iyo, Ryan Bannerot, Peter Lupton, Tevita Bryce, Mason McCrory, Malcolm Webb, Wes Piggins, Sean Hunt, Joe Eichner. Interchanges: Matt Finnesy, Ethan Ferrick, Gunnar Johnson, Bart Longchamp.
Tries: Webb (30), Granby (37, 39, 42), Eichhner (60), Bannerot (71); Goals: McCrory 1/4, Granby 2/2
Referee: Kemoy Whyte (Jamaica)
Half Time: 10-14
