Game Report: August 9, 2009

Aurora Barbarians – Under 14 Boys
Aurora Barbarians RFC (ABRFC) 34 - Saracens RFC 22

With Nomads ahead in the League standings by 9 points, the boys went into the 2 games series against Saracens facing a tall order. Win both games, score at least 20 points per game to secure the bonus points and with a little help from Markham ( who were facing Nomads the same weekend) we could emerge the Central Division winners.

The lads were a little nervous starting and were down in our own end for a few minutes as the Saracens were determined to score first. With the same determined and stubborn defence they turned over Saracens ball and moved through the hands sending Jason N. along the sideline to score in the corner. The next Try came as the Back Row were pressing hard and when Conor F. received the ball, he broke their defence to finish under the posts. Ben H. would be next to touch down, crashing through their centres, with Liam K. converting. The 2nd Half saw the boys from the back row making their presence felt with Tries By Jason M., one by Conor F. converting his own Try and Liam K. converting one of Jason’s Tries. The game ended with 7 Tries, 3 Converted to 2 unconverted Tries . We had to rely on Markham for help, which they kindly obliged.

We had now only the Sunday game to win and get that bonus point and we would squeak by Nomads by 1 point. With our numbers dwindling and players playing out of position, we decided to stick to our game plan, pressure their Centres and hope for turnover ball to capitalise . The lads came out hard and fast with Jason M. playing his hard running game breaking their defence and scoring. The second Try developed by throwing the ball wide to Liam K. who saw a hard running Bautista A. cutting in from the wing, with Liam running out of room, the behind- the- back switch pass was delivered sending Bautista A. in for a well deserved score. Unfortunately Bautista A. was injured on the play and was unable to return. Shortly after, Ben H. scored with a hard charge through their Centres with Liam K. converting. Saracens were not laying down and charged back with a late Try to finish the half. Score 17 to 5.

The 2nd half started with us scoring first thanks to Ben H. and converted by Liam K. Saracens were not finished and charged back with two Tries bringing the score line a little close for comfort. We answered the call once more with another Try by Ben, again through turnover ball, conversion by Liam K.

Saracens were determined to salvage at least a bonus point coming back equally as strong with another hard charge with a resulting Try. Saracens hoping for the upset, again came back hard and were determined but were denied as Calvin Mc. with his telltale rip liberated the ball from Saracens’ Centre and ran 40 metres to dash any comeback hope. Final Score Aurora 34 to Saracens 22 securing the win and the bonus point.

This win was a true team effort with Evan G. , Bautista A. and a few more player playing out of position. Paul C. tackling everything in his path and then some, refusing to let them break our defence was key to beating that team. The smiles on the boys faces after a gruelling hard fought game was proof that winning is a lot more fun than the opposite.

We must now concentrate on the Play Offs. Please make every effort to make the remaining practices so we can prepare for the upcoming 1st round.

TKFS