IRISH CONTINUE PROGRESS-ROUT BRANTFORD

The Irish overcame a stiff wind and a determined Brantford team to advance to the Final Four of Ontario Rugby with a 42-10 win over the Harlequins.

Brantford came into the game winning five of their last six matches since the two teams last met, but after a quick start, faded badly as the Irish controlled most aspects of play.

"I thought we were in for a tough time as Brantford finished just below us in the league," said Irish coach Mark Winokur "but with the exception of our handling, we did play reasonably well.''

Brantford led 7-0 after five minutes and 10-8 after 30, but allowed 13 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half with a huge wind advantage, and the Irish were under way.

Rob Forbrigger, Istevan Mozes, Dave Berginaron, Gareth Pettigrew, Ed Gardner and Dean Maclean touched down for the greens, with Gardner adding two penalties and three conversions.

The Development side erased a 7-0 halftime deficit and beat Balmy Beach 16-14 to set up a virtual semi-final game in their divisional round-robin at Oakville this Saturday at 1pm. Bruce Maxwell kicked a 50 meter goal to provide the difference.

This Saturday will be a tremendous rugby day as the development side meets Cru II and the firsts tackle the current league champion Crusaders at 3 pm, both at Oakville.

"We are going to need a maximum effort and intense discipline to succeed at Oakville,'' said Winokur, "and it will provide the ultimate test of just how far we have come since mid-season."

Squad:  Maclean, Burleigh, Ashley, Laing (R. Azar - 60 minutes) Gallimore, Crocker, Orsi, M Thompson (Jackson - 65 minutes), Forbrigger, Gardner, Mozes, Greco, Petrie, Bergeron, Pettigrew