Irish Canadian Rugby Club 62 - Toronto Nomads 0
04/10/03
Friendly

Following Kingston's default in the first round of the McCormick Cup, it looked like the Irish, losers of their final 3 league games, would spend three weeks off before the quarter final.

Thanks to Toronto Nomads, champions of the TRU Premier, the greens got a run out on a cold, wet day at Fletchers, stretching their legs in a 62-0 win that gave both teams a needed tune up for their respective cup runs.

The hastily arranged friendly saw both teams field experimental line ups, but the important thing was that both played the game in good rugby conditions and spirit.

The Irish Development side opened their Cup run against the Aurora Barbarians, 13-1 in the Keenan 2 this season; but the result was never in doubt as the Irish scored early and often in a 46-0 rout.

"Nomads can be praised without reservation for agreeing to play when no one else would," said Irish coach Mark Winokur. "and although the score line was one sided, they played with far more structure and commitment than we would have seen from Kingston.  Our guys know they have work to do, but we at least began the process on Saturday."

Leonard Jean Pierre, George Azar and Owen Smith tallied twice each for the Irish, who scored 31 points in each 35 minute half.  Istvan Mozes, Steve Conlon, Emmet Connolly and Brad Boss added singles, and Boss kicked six converts.

The development side got a first minute try from Barry Ward and three from Ryan Ellement to pound the Barbs.

Training resumes this Thursday, with the second annual John Dixon Memorial Touch Tourney.  Both teams are home on October 18, the development side facing Burlington, and the firsts hosting Markham.

"We obviously know we are in for a tough time in two weeks," said Winokur "as Markham edged us last time. This will be a very different line-up, however, and I think we should be pretty motivated."