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Barbarian men fall short, women win in season opener




By Jake Courtepatte

A fresh-faced Aurora Barbarians men's Premier squad went down fast and early in their rugby season opener on Saturday, and could never recover.
With eight new players taking the field to face the Markham Irish at Fletcher's Field, the Barbs found themselves down seventeen points just two minutes into the match.
The teams traded one more try each before half, with Andrew Quattrin scoring the first of the season, for a 24 – 7 score at the whistle.
Quattrin added another in the second half, as well as Fraser-Shoemaker making his first-team debut, though Markham continued to pour on the offense in an eventual 41 – 22 score.
“The first team came out flat against a team who had played some good rugby this preseason,” said coach Bryan Armstrong, who also said his team had some “strong showings at moments in the game.”
“Tuesday's practice will determine how they respond to this loss.”
The men's second squad was much more successful in their season debut, toppling the Irish 41 – 22. Six different Barbs got on the board with tries, including Kyle Fraser-Shoemaker, Liam Kennelly, Calvin McHugh, Gianluca Perfetti, Matt Prevoe, and Peter Westlund with a pair.
“The second team had a strong showing and is turning into a 1B side,” said Armstrong after the game.
With the women travelling to Waterloo County Saturday for their own doubleheader, the second squad came up just short, finishing in a 24 – 22 loss. The first squad, with many new faces of their own, came up big offensively in a 51 – 12 victory, highlighted by a hat trick of tries from Emily Barber.
“We have been practicing off-loading over the last few weeks and in Saturdays game there was probably 50-60 off-loads,” said head coach Kevin Jones. “A very good display of support and continuity considering that it was the first time together.
Britt Dougy notched a pair of her own tries, while Dagmar Wallsten, Maria Godfrey, Lou Chen, and captain Mac Fane added singles.
“Good play was seen from Emily Barber, Lou Chen, Mac Fane and McKinley Hunt,” said Jones. “Team cohesion was excellent with a very good defensive display from all of the teams. Still room for improvement none the less.”
All four teams are back in action next Saturday,May 27, with the men hosting the Brantford Harlequins while the women's first squad will host the Markham Irish, and second squad will host the Toronto Scottish and Toronto Saracens.
Games will all be played at Fletcher's Field in Markham.
Excerpt: A fresh-faced Aurora Barbarians men’s Premier squad went down fast and early in their rugby season opener on Saturday, and could never recover.
Post date: 2017-05-17 11:41:37
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