Game Report: Sat. August 7, 2004

Senior Mens 1 Team
Irish Canadians R. C. 20 - Aurora Barbarians R.F.C. 10
Last Saturday’s game against the Irish Canadians showed just how far the Aurora Barbarians have progressed over the last two months. The first season in the Marshall Division has always been seen as a learning curve for the Aurora Barbs, as this level of rugby is a new experience for the majority of club members. It should be remembered that the Irish had dominated Aurora Barbs in the first meeting of the season in early June, with a score of 51 – 18.

The measure of progress is that on Saturday, Aurora Barbs took the game to the Irish for long periods and the players on both sides knew after 80 minutes that it had been a tough and uncompromising league game. Aurora Barbs had made a number of changes as a result of injuries and unavailability of players, and introduced two new half-back selections, selecting Marco at Fly-Half and splitting Scrum half duties between Alf and Kai.

The game started in the best way for the Barbs when at seven minutes Marco took a quick tap penalty and went over for the games opening score; the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Over the next ten minutes Aurora Barbs had three further opportunities to score, but had players held up in the in-goal area – one wonders what impact a couple of additional early scores would have had on the final outcome.

Like many good and experienced teams, the Irish weathered this period and came back to score two quick tries; the highlight was a kick and chase by the veteran Irish Flanker George Azar, who went over for a score, proving to himself and the assembled Irish supporters that there is life in George yet!

The second half was marked by a string of penalties, and was disjointed, with neither team establishing any clear advantage. With 10 minutes to go the Irish scored from a quick tap-penalty, to extend their lead to 20 -5, but immediately Aurora hit back with an excellent try for Canadian Under 19 international Winger Doug Litt, scoring on his debut for the Barbs.

Aurora Barbs can take a great deal of heart from this display – the game clearly demonstrated that the Club has arrived in the Marshall Division as a positive force. The Aurora Barbs played some attractive attacking rugby, moving the ball well in their backs and demonstrating that they are capable of playing with the senior teams in the Division. There are clearly areas of the game that the Barbs need to work on, (the line-out), and also a reliable place kicker to fill in for the injured Dave Ashwood. At least 12 points were left on the table from penalties in kickable range. But the main learning from this game is that Aurora Barbs are on an accelerated learning curve, and will be an exciting prospect to follow over the next few months and years.