Irish Canadian Rugby Club 51 - Aurora Barbarians 18
12 / 06 / 04
League

Given the Barbs 14-0 record last year in the Keenan Division, their talented young backs, and their confident talk before the game, many expected a close fought Marshall Division encounter on Saturday at Fletchers.

The reality was that an fired-up Irish side ran in four first half tries against the wind, and four more in the second half playing a man down, to topple the Barbs 51-18, eight tries to three.

The teams swapped tries in the first 10 minutes, Fabian Rayne for the Irish and Steve Shortly for the Barbs, but the Irish dominated the remainder of the half to lead 25-8 at the break, Steve Conlon twice and Ruairi Carson once, with a Jason Verstraten penalty for good measure.

The second half was a chippy affair, as Irish got a driving try from Kipp Wotherspoon and a kick and chase from Ruairi Carson for his second of the day to lead 37-8.  Tempers flared with a fight in the 50th minute, and Irish captain George Azar received a dubious red card for being in the middle of a free for all.  Barbs struck quickly to make it 37-13; Simon Dunne received a gift intercept to make it 44-13; Aurora closed to 44-18 before Chris Verstraten touched down and his brother converted to end things at 51-18.  The Irish have outscored the opposition 172-18 in winning their last three.

"Our best game this year," said Irish coach Mark Winokur "with the exception of our discipline at times, we did most things very well indeed against a talented side.  Our tight five was as dominant as I can recall, and that platform allowed us to operate the game plan well.  We start again next week at zero, though, and it will be tough."

The Development side got two tries from Henry Miers to romp home 38-19, but the thirds, disorganized to begin with, were well beaten 25-8 for their first loss of the year.

All three sides host McCormick Cup holders Brantford at Fletchers next Saturday.

In another note, the club have three involved in next Friday nights RC All Stars vs. England Counties match at Ellerslie Park in Edmonton.  Wing Simon Dunne, fullback Jason Verstraten and coach Mark Winokur make the trip west on Tuesday.  (full details to follow)
Good luck to all three!!!

Other Scores:
ORU Marshall One
Markham 31, Balmy Beach 13
Brantford 34, Yeomen 5
Crusaders 59, Brampton 13

ORU Marshall Two
Balmy Beach 29, Markham 5
Brantford 25, Yeomen 10
Crusaders 31, Brampton 5

ORU Marshall Three
Markham 19, Balmy Beach 10
Brantford 20, Yeomen Ø (def)
Crusaders 43, Brampton 29