Game Report: July 22, 2009

Aurora Barbarians – Under 18 Boys
Aurora Barbarians RFC (ABRFC) 41 - ICRC 5

Last night at Fletcher's the ABRFC u18s extended their league undefeated streak to four games with a 41-5 win over the ICRC. Aurora scored early and often with number 8 Trevor Spence producing three tries, outside centre Jesse Walker added two with singles from Leo Policelli and Cody Williams. Conversions were made by Leo Dubinski with two and Cedrick Bedard providing the final two points of the night.

According to coach Townsend, "this was a game that I felt would be real test for us. We were tied with the Irish in the league and I was a little anxious about our readiness to play. I think one of our reasons for success is that we were well-rested the game as we were playing our first game in six days."

The u18s took the opening kick-off and set a solid platform to attack. It was the work of the forwards that time and time again gave scrumhalf Policelli and fly-half Eric Selvaggi time and space to exploit their talents. In fact, it was Policelli diving over the try line after a series of quicking taken penalties that put Aurora ahead.

The next try came as Selvaggi gave a perfectly floated pass to Walker to cruise through a massive gap in the defence from 30 meters out. As Walker raced up to full speed their was no doubt about his final destination. Dubinski added the convert and the lead was twelve.

Three more tries, all by Spence, before the first half whistle took the irish completely out of the game. Spence's third try came after hooker Adam Honsberger won the ball against the ahead. The quick drive by the pack and the ball was quickly out the back and then over the line before anyone but Spence and the ref noticed.

Down 29-0 at half, the Irish stiffened their backs and played better in the final thirty minutes. The conceded just two tries and scored one of their own, making the final 41-5.

"I was delighted with our effort tonight. We got just a little selfish in the second half and didn't move the ball enough. I think we have learned our lesson as we only produced two tries after having so much possession. The boys have to learn that we live and die as a team".

"We played excellent defence in the first thirty minutes and used that to force the Irish into turnovers that led to points. In the second half our pressure wasn't there and we eased off. We also took too many penalties. That prevented us from really keeping up the pressure both offensively and defensively", concluded Townsend in his post-game press conference.

Aurora's next game is July 29th against York Yeomen at Fletcher's.