Irish Canadian Rugby Club 10 - York Yeomen 33
06 / 07 / 02
League

York outhalf Steve Staffieri hit seven penalties and a conversion to provide the margin of victory as the Cup holders pounded Irish Canadians 33-10 on Saturday.

Playing a simple and disciplined game, Yeomen were far hungrier on the day and full value for their win against an Irish side with too many passengers in it.

After 3 Staffieri penalties and a Brendan Traynor try (on what from 10 feet appeared to be a clear double movement), the Irish countered with one of their few good bits of rugby, capping a Jadon Schmidt burst with a Dale Burleigh try to reduce the halftime margin to 16-10.

The second half followed a losing pattern, however, as numerous Irish attacks ended with spilled ball and countless penalties as York added four more kicks and a try.  Ironically, the score was identical to last years defeat, following which the Irish won 8 of 9 remaining matches.

"York were good, basic and technically sound," said a disappointed Irish coach Mark Winokur, "and we played with little effort, emotion or discipline. I can grudgingly accept defeat when we play our best, but most of us know we did not do that, and things will have to change.  Aside from solid line out play and a couple of individual efforts, little to feel good about."

Interestingly enough, upstart Markham continued their last to first charge by upsetting Oakville 24-12, meaning that Irish, York, Oakville and Markham are all within a few points of each other at the top end of the Marshall Division.

"A disappointing effort, particularly with Canada coach David Clark in attendance," noted Winokur, "but we only have two options from here-give up; or keep going. I choose the latter-we'll see on Thursday who comes along."

The development side continued to compete for their division title with a last play, last kick 19-18 win over York. Down 10-0 early, the greens battled manfully until they took the lead on an Adam Moody penalty kick on the games very final play.

The thirds, meanwhile, continued to impress in their debut season after two years idle, scoring the games' only try against the second half wind to top York 11-6.

The club now take a break before recommencing league play July 27 against an obviously tough Markham side. The first team game is subject to change, however, as the Renegades may be in the "Super" league final that day. The development and thirds games will go ahead-a decision on the first xv game will be made after Renegades trip to Newfoundland.  August 1 has been preliminarily discussed as the new date.

Tom Madden attacks with Peter Smith, Ed Gardner, Kyler Petrie & Dale Burleigh in support	Kyler Petrie is caught by York Yeomen captain Dave Swindells at the whistle	Dave Laing sets up the defensive line-out with Ramzi Azar and Ted Howard	Dale Burleigh leads the charge with Kyler Petrie and Mark Thompson in support
Centre Kevin Turlo is smothered by York's defence as Henry Miers comes to help	Andrew Yearwood cuts through as Dean MacLean and Rob Galbraith provide the help	Leonard Jean-Pierre in full flight with James Berry, Rob Galbraith, Chris McCannell, Joff Kilger, Ryan Carr & Barry Ward in pursuit	Henry Miers is surrounded by the enemy

All pictures courtesy of Roman Turlo