Game Report: July 11, 2007

Under 18 Men
Week 3: Ajax 32 - Aurora Barbarians RFC (ABRFC) 22

The Ajax Wanderers took advantage of several opportunistic plays to defeat Aurora u18s by a score of 32-22 last night. Head coach Sandy Townsend said, "Most of the damage was self-inflicted as we turned over the ball, couldn’t stay onside and threw four passes that were intercepted and led to points against. I think the team was feeling a little over confident and Ajax taught us a lesson two. We have a return match with Ajax at the end of the year and we will have our chance."

It all started wrong for Aurora as they put the opening kick-off into touch and gave Ajax a great attacking platform at midfield to begin. It was a sure signal that it would be a long night. Despite that poor start Aurora had the run of play in the first 5 minutes and Ajax were under pressure. A clearing kick gave Ajax some space, but when Aurora tried for a quick throw the pass was intercepted and when the Ajax player stopped running he was under the posts for the try.

"I admire the creativity and willingness to try anything, but that play (the quick throw) was never really on. We must learn when to attack and when to consolidate," said Townsend.

Ajax stretched their lead to 13-0 with two penalties after Aurora was caught off-side and added to their difficulties by getting on the ref’s bad side. Twice he marched them closer to the goal posts and the Ajax kicker easily converted his chances.

Aurora was not out of the game and it was fullback Naveen Neethling that produced the first Aurora try of the night in the left hand corner. The convert attempt, into a stiff breeze, fell short and the score was 13-5.

However, before Aurora could exert more pressure another interception and try put Ajax ahead 20-5 at the halftime whistle.

After the teams changed ends Aurora had the wind at their backs and came out firing. Unfortunately, another careless pass went astray and Ajax pounced on the mental mistake to score, pushing it to 27-5.

It wasn’t until down by 22 points that Aurora finally began to play some constructive rugby. They used their speed to attack out wide and produced two tries by winger Zach Pilotte and a third from Winston Cho. JD Otten added one convert and Aurora was back in the game only trailing 27-22.

They weren’t able to seal the deal and a late try by Ajax in the corner moved the final to 32-22.

Aurora’s next activity is the Mag 7’s on Sunday and their next league action is July 18th away to Brock RFC.