Turnabout was fair play as the Irish, after a last second win at the Beach last Saturday, lost in the last seconds at Brantford 20-17 on Wednesday.

Brantford, a different side with Canada center Barclay Luke in the line up, scored when a tricky bounce was recovered and the winger scored in the corner to earn the win. The Irish had taken a 17-15 lead on Tom Maddens try in injury time, then had the ball back but elected to kick it away rather than secure it-this led to the kick through by Luke.

"It may sound odd," said coach Mark Winokur, "but we actually played a pretty good game-our scrums were sound, rucks were generally won well, we had lots of pressure (Indeed, the Irish were in the Brantford end for 32 minutes in the second half) and our effort fine (even though the game began even as players were scrambling out of their cars at KO time). What killed us in the end were poor and selfish decisions, and a habit of dropping balls at critical times."

The game began with a try from Irish centre Henry Miers (in his first 1st XV game), and lots of opportunities early-two bad passes less than 10 metres from the Quins line and a missed penalty kick left 17 points on the table.  Brantford scored after a series of penalties to make it 7-5, then took a 12-7 lead before halftime when a poor clearance kick was returned for a score.

Dave Bergerons try with 10 minutes to play gave the Irish a 12-12 tie; the same players fumble on the ensuing kickoff led to a Brantford penalty kick; Madden put the Irish ahead before Lukes heroics.

The Irish earned a bonus point for the close loss, which now gives us 25 points after 8 games. Next game is in Kingston against The Academy on August 11 (the Highland game on the July 28th is postponed until August 29 due to the Super League final)

"There were several good performances-centre Oren Smith, and back row George Azar in particular- but we still are having trouble convincing some players that it is a 15 man game. Once we sort that out-and we will-, we will take a serious run at the Cup," said Winokur.