Irish Canadian Rugby Club 15 - Peterborough Select 17
24 / 04 / 04
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With the First XV match cancelled when Ottawa Scottish cried off midweek, the Irish Development side got a run in Peterborough against a mixed Pagans / Fleming College / Trent University side on a lovely spring day in Norwood Ontario.

Each side scored three tries, Peterborough adding one convert to "win" the open substitution type scrimmage.

"Mission accomplished," said Irish coach Mark Winokur, "we got a first time look at six players, some exercise, and a chance for the second and third grade players to learn what it will take to move up. Obviously we are bitterly disappointed that Ottawa didn't front up, but at least half our players got something positive to do."

Irish fitness appeared to flag after building a two try lead.  Centre Ruairi Carson (London Irish Academy) continues to make a strong bid for a first xv spot with a pair of tries, while Dave Barrett (St. Mary's College) added the other.

Flanker Ryan Ellement and debutante lock Jordan Dodds (Queens University) were particularly impressive up front, while the 10-12 pair of Dave Poettcker and Rory Connolly (also Queens U) added some punch to an already swift back line.

"Fitness was an issue," notes Winokur, who also noted that at least half a dozen top class players will be back at training on Monday "so players should prepare for a much higher intensity level on Monday."

Next week, the Irish take two teams to Burlington to face the Centaurs at 1 and 2:30. Following those games, Toronto Xtreme of the RCSL will face Niagara Thunder, also at Burlington, at 5 pm. New Canada coach Ric Suggitt will be in attendance for the afternoon.