Game Report: August 26, 2006

Men’s Second Team
The Aurora Barbarians 2 posted a solid win against the Brantford Harlequins 2, defeating them 39 – 14 . Despite the exodus of many of the university players who were home for the summer, the team demonstrated excellent cohesion in setting up their attacking plays and in shutting down the Harlequins defensively. The Barbs’ tries were scored by: Jesse Hayman (2), Kevin Riley, J.D. Otten and Bart Hennessey. Stu Hulbert had a hot foot, kicking 3 converts and 2 penalty kicks. Bart also kicked a conversion for his try.

The Barbs hold second place in the Marshal Premier 2 Division with three games remaining in the season.

Men’s First Team
A game in Brantford is always going to be a bit of an adventure, both in terms of on field performance and travel and availability. Last Saturday's game followed in the tradition of unavailability and was the tenth win in eleven games for the Aurora Barbarians R.F.C. and the fourth consecutive win in the second round of the elite Marshall Division.

The Aurora Barbs are in the final weeks of the Marshall Division, three games remaining and a 6 point lead over the second placed team, the Oakville Crusaders, (the defending Marshall Division champions). The Marshall Division is a bit like a marathon race, and last Saturday's game in Brantford was a tough, "gut" test of the Barbs resolve and determination - Brantford at home are a different proposition from their road record. Although the game was not the most elegant win of the season, the five points were all that the Barbs needed to maintain the point difference with the Cru.

It is a long season and any team will have games and days where the performance is a bit flat, where the normal flow of the game is missing. The Barbs team is unsettled as a result of injuries and national Under 21 call-ups - a number of new players are filling in but the normal rhythm and flow is missing. And yet the Barbs have not faltered in getting maximum points from the last two games - this reflects well for the remainder of the League season and for the Cup competition. once the missing players become available. League play is about winning consistently and getting bonus points, not winning by huge point margins - so Saturday's result in Brantford is a good result for the team.

In fact there were many similarities with the last game against Brampton; in both games Aurora fell behind early and were down at the half-time. In both games the team mounted an impressive second half display and pulled into a comfortable lead, only to give up a converted try on the last play of the game. Let's hope that this is not the script for the remaining three games, although the wins and the points help!!

Brantford started the game at a tremendous pace, and early on established a pattern that they followed for the first 40 minutes - Brantford out-half Steve Piatek kicked long and deep to establish field position and once inside the Barbs 22 hammered the ball into the forwards. These tactics were effective as the Harlequins scored two tries and converted one for a 12   -   0 lead after 20 minutes. The Quins ran hard and capitalized on some mistakes and turnovers by Aurora. It appeared that the Barbs were a little disorganized and had trouble adjusting to the replacements. Aurora have learned their lessons in the Marshall well and gradually picked up the pace and fought their way back into the game. Out-half Alisdair Piercy, who enjoyed another good game, went over for Aurora's opening score and he was successful with the conversion, ABRFC 7 Brantford 12. This score seemed to annoy Brantford, who immediately came back into the end and scored their third try and were successful with the conversion - ABRFC 7 Brantford 19.

There were two turning points in this game - the first was a critical play when Marco Di Girolamo scored one of his classic tries, (his 13 th of the season) - Deej made an initial break in his own half and then out accelerated the Brantford cover to score an outstanding 60 meter try under the posts - Alisdair was successful with the conversion to bring the half time score ABRFC 14 Brantford Harlequins RFC 19.

Aurora coaches Drew and Bart made a couple of changes at the half and Aurora started the second half with far more purpose and determination. Alisdair continued to play for field position and after five minutes Robbie Carter went over for a try to level the score at 19 all - the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Aurora had "upped" the pace of the game and continued to press on the Quins 22. The second "turning point" resulted from an interception by Quins centre Eric Baptiste - the Ontario Junior was faced by 80 meters of open field and had a 10 meter clear field start, but he had not allowed for Alexander "Simba" Sithole - Simba turned on the burners and in the space of 25 meters caught Baptiste, from behind and not only tackled him but won the ball and cleared to touch - this was an outstanding piece of rugby, certainly one of the top three plays of the season.

Aurora took inspiration from Simba's effort and scored an outstanding try - the ball went through six Barbs players before Robbie Carter crashed over for his second try of the game. The convert by Alisdair was good and ABRFC had the lead for the first time in the game 26 - 19. The Barbs were playing much better with authority and flair, and set-up camp in the Quins half. Centre Steve Shortly, enjoying another solid game, scored a try, (his third in the last three games) and Alisdair converted to extend the score to 33 - 19. At this stage in the game Aurora were playing with the flair that indicates that the team are enjoying their rugby.

Aurora's pace and flair resulted in their final score of the game - full-back Damon McLachlan, who had an outstanding afternoon, came into the line at pace and managed an excellent break before passing to Simba who finished the move for a try. The convert was missed to make the score ABRFC 38 Brantford 19. In a repeat of the Brampton game, Brantford scored a last minute try, (the last play of the game) and converted to bring up the final score ABRFC 38 Brantford Harlequins 26.

To go into Brantford and emerge with five points with a team that had seven changes was an excellent effort - it takes time for a team to "gell" and establish the rhythm required to play outstanding rugby. Scrum-half Ryan Stickle had an excellent game and enjoyed playing against his old club and many of his friends from Brantford. Simba and Marco's contribution was clear, both plays came at key points in the game. In summary, Aurora are well positioned for the final three games - each of these games will be critical, but with hard work and a return to the fun style that the Barbarians are most comfortable with. This correspondent believes that the key for the last two months of a long and demanding season is to re-discover the flair and excitement of attacking rugby. This is a style that builds on the speed of the team - in addition Alisdair Piercy has an excellent feel for field position and has demonstrated in his two starts for the team a sound "boot" both from hand and from place kicks. One thing is for certain, the next two months will be exciting!!!!

Men’s Third Team
No game this week.