Game Report: Thurs. July 1, 2004

Aurora Barbarians U18 Mens
The Aurora Barbarians opened their 2004 season with a triumphant display of running rugby as they defeated the Saracens 29 -O. They were committed to playing attacking rugby from the opening kickoff that James Ross ran back into the heart of the defence. From the ensuing ruck the ball was kicked deep into the Saracen end by inside centre John Buchner who would go down injured as he tackled the opposition fullback. Aurora forced the Saracens into making mistakes and they were rewarded with a fine try by outside centre Chris Fulton.

Aurora kept the ball in the red zone and flanker James Ross barged over for the game's second try 5 minutes later. With the possibility of a big score looming the Barbs took their foot off the acelerator and allowed the Saracens a chance to recover and catch their breath. However, it wasn't long before Aurora were oncec again camped deep in the Saracens half. This time it was flanker Jesse Hayman who crashed over. The try was converted by Bryn Davies and the score was 17-0 at half time.

In the second half, Aurora kept up the pressure and they were rewarded with tries from prop Neil McDougall and second rower Andrew Brankley who raced 40 metres to score with the crowd cheering him every step of the long journey to the end zone. Davies added another convert and the final score read Aurora Barbarians 29 and Saracens 0.