Obuasi, July 29, GNA - Togo made mince meat of the national Under-18 Rugby team, the Golden Eagles when they pummelled them 48-3 in the opening match of the Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Under-18 Northern Zone II tournament at the Ofori Stadium at Obuasi on Thursday.

Despite the loss, Ghana, the host country still had the chance to play Togo in the finals as Nigeria and Cameroon pulled out of the tournament at the last hour due to travel difficulties. The four-day tournament is being held under the auspices of the International Rugby Board (IRB) in conjunction with CAR and the Ghana Rugby Association. The winner of the tournament will represent the zone in the Africa inter-zones competition slated for next year to determine the champion of champions.

The Golden Eagles provided very little opposition to the well-built Togolese whose strength; speed and precision at goal scoring confused the Ghanaians throughout the encounter. Led in attack by skipper Karim Kpogba, the Togolese virtually sealed the game in the first half with a 30-0 lead. The Golden Eagles who were rejuvenated in the second half, had consolation three try's through a conversion kick to end the match 3-48 in favour of the Togolese.

Madam Gifty Annan-Myers, Chairman of the Ghana Rugby Association in an opening address, called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to 'seriously' consider integrating the rugby into the physical education curriculum of basic schools. She said this would help sharpen the intelligence of pupils and students to enhance their education, whilst also heightening the needed interest in sports to unearth other talents.