Middlesex Barbarians RFC 30 - North Shore Steamers RFC 0

In match that was not entirely reflected by the score, the Barbarians outplayed and outpowered the Steamers on yet another beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon. The first half seemed to last 60 minutes, as the homefield Barabarians capitalized on enough breakdowns and had the numbers in support to start to pull away with breakthrough scores and penalty kicks. Middlesex had a core of experienced players who demonstrated strong desire and teamwork. The vallaint NS side played hard and several individual players distinguished themselves with hard tackling and selfless defense.

Among these is our "Man of the Match" Chris LeBlanc, who spent the day slamming the opposition mercilessly, until a most unfortunate shoulder injury near the end of match time. Chris has been a stalwart all season long, and his on field presence will be greatly missed. Also playing demon for the Steamers was young #8 Anthony Buonagurio. Tony was everywhere brawling and playing with fierce determination. Martin Mahoney and Jesse Brewer also received much notice for their strong play and fearless tackling.They all were considered as men of the match!

We had marginal scrum success, but sufferrred in the lineouts. We have not been able to demonstrate any real continued success in loose play. We have not been able to get the ball out to our two speedy wings with any space to operate or in overlap situations.
We did have moments where we were getting close, but did not have the last pass or we were flat on attack. It is gonna take practice time and playing games to grow and develop.

The experience and toughness of our four opponents verifies that 3rd division rugby is extemely competetive. We are a young club which is experiencing the pangs of birth and growth. Everyone we have played has been more skilled and experienced. We have played hard, and know that we need to play much smarter. That's why watching the B side games has been so much fun!

North Shore RFC B's 35 - Middlesex RFC B's ? (not much)

For at least the second week in a row, the brightest spot for club play has been the killer B's. Their hard running and smooth passing has been a soothing tonic after the first-side disapointments.

Scoring try's Saturday were; Keith Rivers - 2, Aaron Bigmore, Rich De Piero, and Trevor Mazarura 1 each.
Dan H-B 3 conversions for 6 points, and Rich DeP 2 conv. 4 points. Eric Cushing earns honorable mention for strong play.
Congrats to Aaron on his first ever try, a 60 meter gas run...he..could.. go.. all... the... way!
Watching the B guys reminds us of how much fun playing can be!

Recognition to Old-Timers, Dan Mackenzie 44, (A &1/2 B) John Magazzu 47 (B), Dan Solomom 50 (B), Liam 46 (1/2 A)