Game Report: Sat. July 24, 2004

Aurora Barbarians Mens 2nds
ABRFC 0 at Beach 32
The Second Team came off probably their best training session of the year last Thursday night, pushing the 1st team to make quick decision on defense, and executing the offence quite crisply.

This great preparation should have been a good omen for Saturday's rematch with the Beach team that we lost to by only an unconverted try in the first half of the season.

Unfortunately, due in part to injuries and other commitments, many players that had been selected were unavailable, and all three sides had to deal with new personnel. We fielded three new players to start at center, wing and fullback, as well as bringing up numerous 3rd team players to fill in as subs.

The beach however looked very strong, with much more experience on the field than we faced earlier in the season. After keeping the opposition in their 22 for most of the first half, we could not seem to cross the line and score. Then the beach attack came, and they punished us by taking advantage of mistakes, and scoring at will it seemed. Two key players had 10 minute breaks in the Sin Bin, which did not help in the losing effort. Better discipline will be required in tight games to come.

The final score line did flatter the Beach, but the lads did put up a decent effort, although not enough on this day.

No game reports yet for the Mens 1st team.

Aurora Barbarians First Women’s Team (O.W.L)
Barbs 12 - Saracens 10
The first team needed a win to ensure that it made the playoffs and to avoid having to play the first-place team if it got there. To do this, Aurora took on the Toronto Saracens, a team that has shown great improvement since last year. The Saracens scored early in the game, but failed to convert their try, which had a big impact on the outcome. Aurora answered with a try of its own by Ashley Walker at the 20-minute mark, and converted it, giving it a 7-5 lead.

The game became a grueling see-saw battle for the rest of the half, and part way into the second period. The Saracens utilized an effective mauling game, scoring one more try, but spending a scary amount of time inside the Aurora 22. Eventually the Saracens ran out of gas. Fly-half Nathalie Bendavid started a breakout run, with the ball ending up in the winger, Ashley Walker’s hands. The Barbs were able to control the final few minutes, and the game ended with a 12-10 victory. Although Aurora finished with a 4-3 record that was better than two other teams, it finished fifth in the points column. The Barbs face the second place Toronto Irish in the first round of the playoffs.

Aurora Barbarians Second Women’s Team
Barbs 41 - Saracens 14
Aurora’s second team played their best game of the season, posting a 41-14 victory over the Saracens 2. Aurora demonstrated that they could attack effectively with the forwards or backs from anywhere on the field. Scoring for Aurora were: Lauren Campbell, Barb DiNardo, Sarah Brown, Sarah Moussadji, Karen Chrobak, Colleen Higgins. This gives the Barbs 2 team a second place standing, although they are tied with the first-place Irish in points. The seconds next play August 14.

Aurora Barbarians U19 Women
The U19 girls travelled to Brampton only to have their hosts come up short in numbers. Brampton defaulted to the Barbs, who then lent them players and played a 12-a-side friendly. Although the score did not count, the teams competed fiercely for the ball. Brampton’s star player, Latoya, scored one minute into the game, throwing down the gauntlet (she scored 3 in the game). Aurora picked itself up to score four tries by halftime and seven by game’s end. Scoring for Aurora were: prop Kemeel Franklin, fly half Martha Goodrow (two), scrum-half Jaime Manchee, 8-man/centre Andrea Watpol, and winger Meaghan Puttock. Martha also kicked two converts. Aurora finished in fourth place and advances to the quarter-finals. The Barbs take on the Nomads at Fletcher’s Fields next Wednesday. As well, the team said farewell to Mo Rogers who is off to Africa for a 3-week work placement.