Game Report: October 14, 2006

On a perfect fall afternoon, ideal for cup rugby, the Barbs looked forward to their first game in three weeks, (courtesy of a first round default by the Bytown Blues R.F.C. from Ottawa and the Thanksgiving long weekend). In fact, for 6 of today's team it was their first game in a month as the club had rested a number of players, (the walking wounded from the League season) in the final game of the Marshall Division. There was some "rustiness" for the team to work out in the first 20 minutes, shown by a number of mistakes in timing, handling and ball retention, but Aurora Barbs worked through these problems to record a good win over a game, competitive and interesting Stoney Creek team.

There are big problems with the structure of the fall season in Ontario and with the McCormick Cup competition. The high number of defaults and "no=shows" in the Cup is a major problem that requires immediate action by the ORU. Today conditions were perfect for good, open ruby, an opportunity to compete and test teams for next year - unfortunately, many players have prematurely finished their 2006 season.

How refreshing to come up against a club who clearly looked forward to an opportunity to test themselves against an established and successful Marshall Division club. The Camels were defending an unbeaten 2006 season in the Keenan Division. This Stoney Creek club is a solid team with an excellent approach to the game - it is clear that they have worked hard all season and that they are an ambitious club, looking to great things next season in their anticipated debut in the Marshall Division. Based on today's showing the Camels will be a welcome addition to the Marshall - mainly they appear to have a nucleus of young and promising players who will benefit from the weekly challenges of the senior Division. Much of their future success will depend on the work that they put in over the winter, in preparation for the 2007 season - clearly, however, they are determined to show well and establish their club in the Marshall.

And so to today's game - Aurora Barbarians come away from this game with virtually no new injury problems and a good update on where they stand. It is unlikely that the "three week hiatus" has seriously hurt the team, but the opening 20 minutes were an interesting reminder of the seriousness of the McCormick Cup campaign. Stoney Creek had decided to not only show-up, but to attempt to bring the game to the Barbs. The Barbs opened the scoring at 5 minutes when 2 nd Row Simon McEachren crashed over for the opening try, converted by #10 Neil Doctrow. At this stage of the game the rust of the last month was posing serious problems for the Barbs, and in combination with the effort and defence from the Camels, the progress for the Barbs was slow, too many dropped passes and mistakes in running angles. The Stoney Creek back row took two careless penalties for offside, the result of either inexperience or youthful exuberance - the net result was that the Barbs were able to raise their game, but not before a major breakdown under the Barbs posts resulted in the only score for the Camels, a converted try - as Forrest said "stuff happens", but this was an important wake-up call for the Barbs. This score was actually a turning point in the game as the Barbs came back strongly in the remaining 25 minutes to open up a 21 - 7 lead at the half. At 30 minutes Brock Miller went over for the second try, converted by Neil and at 34 minutes Neil went 30 meters to score an excellent try, which he converted from the touchline.

The second half showed a much improved Aurora Barbarian performance, as their superior strength and fitness allowed the team to build a clear margin. The pack now showed a clear superiority in all phases of the game, winning a good supply of ball that was well used to score four additional tries through Nolan Ott, Robbie Carter, Damon McClachlan and a second for Robbie Carter. Neil Doctrow had an outstanding afternoon - in addition to his try he was successful with 5 conversions on the 7 tries scored by Aurora, excellent given the difficult wind and kicking conditions. The try of the match was the move between Marco and Damon, Marco making an initial break and taking the ball 30 meters before he switched the ball back inside to Damon who used his patented side step to dart inside the Creek full back and score his try.

So, all in all, today's game was a good workout for the Aurora Barbs - good opposition from the game Camels and some excellent performances from a number of Barbs. #10 Neil Doctrow has already had his mention, a great kicking display on a difficult day. Hooker Robbie Carter, making his comeback after six weeks off with a concussion, had an outstanding game, using a lot of his stored up energy to good effect. The Aurora back row, (Nolan Ott, Shaun Allen and Brock Miller), got through a tremendous amount of great work and covered miles of territory. The tight five performed well in the tight and the line-outs went well.

In the backs, the timing of passes improved as the game progressed, and the centres, (Steve Shortly and Ivan Barron) got through a lot of hard running. The wings, Marco and Ryan Stickle had a good afternoon and more than made up for the early mistake, and Damon McLachlan had another outstanding game at Full-back - his support running and interventions into the line were excellent and he has re-discovered his brilliant side-step, on at least three occasions he "wrong-footed" the opposition to open-up the field with a 30 meter break.

And so Aurora Barbarians advance to their third cup semi-final in three years, with the prospect of an interesting game against the current McCormick Cup Champions Balmy Beach R.F.C. The prospect of a strong week's training and the promise of a good game next Saturday at Fletcher's is reason enough to show next Saturday.

The semi-finals of the 2006 McCormick Cup are:

•  Irish Canadian Rugby Club visiting Oakville Crusaders R.F.C. and

•  Aurora Barbarians R.F.C. at home to Balmy Beach R.F.C.