Rugby Canada Super League/Ligue Final
The Prairie Fire 28 - Thunder 12
Thunder burned by Prairie Fire
Burlington, Ontario: Last weekend, on a warm sunny afternoon just over 1,000 Regina supporters and a lone Thunder supporter were on hand to witness an historic day for both teams. The Fire winning their first ever National Championship, and the Thunder their first participation in the final. The Thunder Rugby team travelled to Regina to face the three-time finalists in Rugby Canada's Super League's National Final for the historic MacTier Cup. Unfortunately it was not to be the Thunder's day.
Following on from an outstanding Eastern Conference campaign including a solid win over Newfoundland Rock, the Thunder found it difficult to get their exciting running game going and eventually came out on the wrong end of a 28 - 12 loss to the Saskatchewan Prairie Fire. Thunder exploded from the kick-off and drove deep into Fire territory and with some classic Thunder style slick handling through at least a dozen pairs of hands finished off with a try by captain Jonathan Goldie in the corner barely 5 minutes into the game.
The Fire were led by exceptionally good performances by Samoan import Darren Kapene at outside half and New Zealand import and Captain Cain Elisara at number 8. The experience and skill of these two players buoyed the Fire team and gave the Thunder a real headache all day long.
At times the Thunder back-lines speed and precision pierced the Fire defence, but desperate tackling by the fire brought down the challenge before they could cross the line. Outside half Steve Piatek and centres Mike Scholz and Shawn Windsor struggled to get into any rhythm. Flankers Alistair Clark and Jordan Kozina battled bravely, but only once, happened late in the first half, was Kozina able to finish with a try to bring the halftime score to 18 - 12. Thunders normally perfect lineout all but disintegrated preventing them from exploiting one of the areas they have been able to exploit so well this season. Around mid-way through the first half starting prop Matt Lindsay was forced to leave the field with an injured knee making way for Dave Neil to come on and mid way in the second half Andrew Lombard came on to replace veteran Dave Knowles at 8.
For the Fire, Kapene's robust play and strategic kicking kept the Thunder on their back foot for long periods of the game. Elisara's rather unconventional play for a number 8 found the big man with ball in hand on numerous occasions and time and again he made bullocking runs down the field proving very difficult to bring to the ground and often had it not been for Thunders captain Goldie at fullbacks outstanding tackling in a last line of defence, he could well have done even more damage.
The Thunder players seemed "heavy legged" at times and maybe the 7-hour journey and the occasion was putting a strain on the young squad. The team played well, but not well enough to overcome a determined and gritty performance by the deserving winners the Prairie Fire.
With less than 10 minutes left in the game the score was still only 18 – 12 and Thunder were pressing desperately but could not unlock the Fire defence, then a handling error presented Kapene with a chance to add 3 points and force Thunder to score twice to overcome them. This took the wind out of the Thunder and gave the Fire a lift, which very shortly thereafter they turned into a try to seal Thunders fate. In the dying seconds of the game Fire crossed once more but it was of little consequence as the result was already confirmed.
Head coach Jeff Prince commented that it was an entertaining game for the fans and both teams played well, the Fire deserved the win and Thunder players will return next season with new confidence and determination. “It has been a great season and I am proud of our young teams work ethic and determination this year,” he said. “We all learn from these games and we will be better players and as a team in 2008”
Thunder 27 Toronto Xtreme 0
Thunder lead the East but Rock have game in hand
Hamilton, Ontario:
Mohawk Sports Park yesterday was not a pleasant day for rugby fans or players, particularly the visitors, Toronto Xtreme. Playing in constant rain, heavy at times, and with a strong wind, the local Thunder team moved into 1st place in the East with a 27-0 win over the Xtreme club. Today the Rock defeated New Brunswick Black Spruce 38-9 so the Rock have 15 points after 3 games while Thunder has 18 after four.
Playing with a very strong wind in their faces in the first half, Thunder did well to keep most of the play on inside the Toronto half and were rewarded with a penalty from flyhalf Steve Piatek after 15 minutes. Fifteen minutes later an attacking Toronto kick was fielded deep in Thunder territory but fullback Jon Goldie offloaded to centre Shawn Windsor who eluded several defenders and took the ball inside the Toronto 22. Not long after, Piatek slotted over a drop goal to make it 6-0.
Play was back and forth a bit but Thunder defence kept and despite the strong wind Thunder were again able to move the Xtreme back and #8 Dave Knowles went over for a try which Piatek converted to end the half, with Thunder in the lead 13-0, somewhat surprisingly against such a strong wing.
Toronto Xtreme seemed to have a bit more possession early in the second half but several running attacks were hampered badly by the poor conditions, although the wind did ease a bit in the second half. Meanwhile Thunder kept it tight with several good driving mauls. Then, a ball moving wide left was passed back inside to hooker Harry Cheung who had little opposition as he ran straight in between the posts. Piatek’s convert was a given. A long period then ensued with both sides battling with the conditions, now also somewhat colder as well as wet and windy. The final phase saw Knowles pick up from back of scrum, pop to scrumhalf Adam Schouten who kicked to near the corner flag. Pressure yielded a penalty and Thunder chose a lineout, with Cheung scoring his second try and Pietak getting his third convert, for a personal total of 12 points on the day.
The final score was 27-0 for Thunder, which puts them in first place in the East, but no bonus points were earned today. The team has not much time to rest, as they must now prepare for their July 21 match against the Harlequins in Ottawa.
Prior to the above RCSL match, Toronto Renegades defeated the Lightning (Thunder’s under 20 development squad) 36-10. Lightning’s tries came from Marcus Mitchell and David Reitzel.
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Thunder 43 Caribou 5
The Golden Horseshoe’s Rugby Canada Super League (RCSL) team, Thunder, had little difficulty in obtaining a decisive victory over visiting 4th place Quebec Caribou at the Niagara Wasps rugby grounds in Port Colborne today. Thunder now move into 1st place in the East with 14 points, although the Rock (Nfld) with 10 points have a game in hand.
Playing with a strong wind behind them in the first half, Thunder kept the play inside the Caribou territory, but it was 20 minutes before a good lineout take by Geoff Sinke provided centre Brian Pearman a chance to break the line, offload to Dave Wilson who popped the ball to Alistair Clarke to score under the posts, making Spence Fullerton’s convert a formality. Five minutes later, inside Caribou’s 22, Wilson intercepted and trotted over for another 5 points, to which Fullerton added two. The next score was again only five minutes later, when Shawn Windsor made a break from inside the Thunder half, raced down the right wing to the 25, grubbered ahead and the ball bounced favourably on the dry turf for supporting wing Andrew Thomson to score in the corner. The play continued in Caribou territory and with tons of possession, fullback Jonathan Goldie’s entry into the line at pace from 15 metres out was unstoppable. Fullerton added another conversion to close the half at 29-0 for Thunder.
The Caribou started the second half well and pressured Thunder into yielding several penalties for offside. Despite kickable situations, Caribou elected several times to go for driving mauls from the lineouts, but Thunder’s defence held.
After a poorly executed drop-out by Caribou, Harry Cheung recovered the ball and slipped it to Wilson who ran it in easily. Fullerton converted. 36-0. Unfortunately for Caribou, the earlier strong wind dropped completely. However, more penalties against Thunder allowed the visitors to keep a lot of play in opposition half, but they could not cross the line. Thunder made some personnel changes and after stealing a Caribou lineout ball only 15 meters from the Thunder line, replacement centre Mike Sholz broke a tackle or two and passed to Windsor who took it the rest of the way over the Caribou goal-line but could not ground the ball. From the resultant scrum, #8 Dave Knowles crashed over and once again Fullerton had an easy convert. 43-0. Thunder made a few more personnel changes.
Caribou came back, again relying on their fairly effective lineout play and this time were finally rewarded with a try from yet another driving maul. The final score was 43-5.
Thunder coach Jeff Prince was “not happy with the number of penalties conceded” but pleased at the defence in the second half. The team has a week off before resuming preparations for the July 14th encounter against Toronto Xtreme at Mohawk Sports Park, Hamilton.
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Thunder 7 Lancashire 19
Thunders played a spirited game against the visitors from England, but were unable to finish a number of excellent forays deep into Lancashire territory. In the end 4 penalties and a drop goal by Lancashire's superb kicker, Paul Bailey sealed their fate.
Thunder could well have bettered the Lanc's had it not been for so much indiscipline. The first half was all-even and Thunder missed several opportunities to capitalize loosing the ball in the last effort to make the goal line by trying just a tad to hard.
Half time 7 - 10
The second half was mired in an abundance of whistle stoppages. Referee Gareth Callaway seemed to find many misdemeanors on both sides and sent 2 Thunder players off for repeated infringements within 3 minutes. Even 2 men down, the Thunder raised their game and apart from a nicely taken drop goal by Bailey, they kept the visitors at bay. Quite an outstanding performance.
Thunder roared back in the last 20 minutes and a try which Sullivan raced through from 30 meters out and beat his opponent to touch down for what appeared to be a try was then belatedly called back for being in front of the kicker - off side. The Thunder players and fans were bitterly disappointed and one wonders what Thunder would have followed up with had it counted.
The game ended with Thunder still pressing hard for a final score, but it was not to be. A game where Thunder showed they had the ability to win, but their inexperience led to too many mistakes robbing them of a great opportunity. Jeff Prince Head coach was well pleased with the overall performance and expects his charges to learn from the experience and improve ready for the rest of the league season, which recommences on June 30th in Port Colborne vs. the Caribou from Quebec
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Lancashire announce squad for Canada tour
The newly-styled Bill Beaumont Cup could hardly have had a more appropriate launch than Saturday's game between defending County Champions Lancashire and their neighbours Cheshire at Fylde RFC, the home of the former England and British Lions captain.
The sense of time and place was also very apposite in that the Red Rose men have today announced their squad to tour Canada on a trip to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Lancashire RFU – a squad that included one Sam Beaumont from Fylde, Bill’s son.
He is a 21-year-old back-five forward and is one of a trio of younger players in the squad taken to broaden their experience, the others being his clubmate Dan Waller and Steve Williams from Waterloo.
The tour is sponsored by InterContinental Hotels Group, through its 'Holiday Inn' arm, and the travelling party of 39 that will arrive in St John’s, Newfoundland on June 7, will be:
Steve Nutt (Waterloo), Nick Royle (Fylde), Neil Kerfoot (Waterloo), Daniel Waller (Fylde), Chris Briers (Sedgley Park), Chris Glynn (Shelford), Neil Hunter (Waterloo), Jason Duffy (Sedgley Park), Freeman Payne (Waterloo), Paul Bailey (Preston Grasshoppers), Dave McCormack (Bradford & Bingley), Darren Wilson (Preston Grasshoppers), Martin O’Keefe (Waterloo), Matt Collie (Macclesfield), Nick Flynn (Manchester), Pietrus Du Plessis (Sedgley Park), Tom Lavelle (Fylde), Henry Platt (Manchester), Gareth Rawlings (Manchester),Chris Planchant (Waterloo), Sam Beaumont (Fylde), Alan Yates (Sedgley Park), Steve Williams (Waterloo), Dan Palmer (Waterloo), Roger Banks (Fylde), Dave Wilks (Nottingham).
Officials: Mark Nelson (Sale), Martin Scott (Fylde), Helen Pennington (Leigh), Maurice Parker (Manchester), Don Welsh (Fylde), Ernie Neely (Sedgley Park), Steve Rigby (Fylde)
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Thunder dominate the Keltics
Wolfville Monday May 21st
On a dry but cool day at Acadia University ground, some 300 fans came out to support their team but went away dissapointed. The Thunder, who received a wake-up call in New Brunswick were in no mood for a repeat. Though the game was relatively close in the first half, the Keltics struggled to control the rampaging team from the Niagara region. The Thunder in turn struggled to string their plays together in a successful manner. The second half was a different story with Thunder's higher fitness and power grinding down the Keltics to a point where the home team was hanging on. The game was played in good spirit and was entertaining with the game fowing up and down the field all day long. Thunder's defense held strong at critical times, but the Keltics waned as the game prograssed resulting in a final score of 43 - 0 to Thunder.
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Thunder rumble to a narrow win over Black Spruce
Fredericton 2.00 p.m. May 19th
The Black Spruce came out early and gave the Thunder a real scare today. On a day where the sky was heavily overcast, with extremely wet conditions underfoot and occasional drizzle throughout the game, the Black Spruce sent an early warning to Thunder that they meant business. From the first kick-off they drove deep into Thunder territory and only desperate defence resulting in turn-over ball allowed Thunder to stop them short of the line with an excellent clearance kick from Fullerton. From there Thunder drove deep into Spruce territory and forced a penalty allowing Piatek to notch the first points with a penalty. The pressure was only short lived however as the Spruce did a tit for tat by kicking a similarly positioned penalty by veteran MacAfee just 3 minutes later. The game swung back and forth up and down the field with no quarters asked or given by either side. Black Spruce kept up the pressure causing Thunder into several errors and at 27 minutes into the game Spruce were rewarded with a well earned try in the left corner which MacAfee stroked over the cross bar to go 10 points to 6 up. By half time Thunder gave away a further 2 penalties for not releasing the ball and the frustration of the team was clearly showing. Referee Drollet blew the whistle for half time with Spruce leading and looking very comfortable with a 16 - 9 lead.
2 Minutes into the second half Thunder were again penalized for holding the ball at the tackle and MacAfee made them pay for their transgression. Shortly after, disaster struck for the Spruce and a stamping infringement saw Chauncey O’Toole get his marching papers to the sin bin. Just under 15 minutes into the second half the Spruce finally cracked and Thunder, following a determined forward drive caused Spruce to break off too early and pounce on the ball in the back of the Thunder scrum. Referee Drollet had no hesitation and awarded a penalty try under the posts allowing Piatek to add the extra 2 points bringing the gap down to a 3 point lead. Thunder now had their tails up and with their fitness beginning to tell on a rapidly tiring Black Spruce team, they were quick to recognise their opportunity and stepped up the tempo. Adding to the Spruce dilemma, both their own Justin O’Toole and Thunder’s Andrew Wilson were sent to the bin for two different infractions at the same breakdown. Thunder was now beginning to dominate several aspects of the game and after forcing a turn-over on the left side of the field were able to get a series of quick passes to the right and send Thomson over in the corner. Piatek missed the convert. With under 5 minutes to go with the 7th holding penalty of the day against a Thunder player, MacAfee lined up for a 50 meter shot at goal on the half way line. His tired legs and the wet ball just could not carry the ball well enough and a great sigh of relief was heard from the Thunder organization when he missed the chance to put Black Spruce back into the lead. Thunder again drove the ball well into Spruce territory with a kick and a quick follow up saw Thunder turn over the ball and swing it wide to substitute centre Sutherland who drew his man and wing and sent a long pass out to Thomson to race over for his second and the final try for the day. Thunder’s patience and gritty display made them deserving winners, but Black Spruce put up a great challenge for three quarters of the game and had they kept their players on the field for the whole game, it might have been a different result. All players seemed relieved to hear the final whistle. Final score Thunder 26 Black Spruce 19 Thunder move on to Halifax on Monday to play Nova Scotia Keltics for their second game of the season.
Scorers: Thunder - Tries Thomson (2), Penalty try, Conversion Piatek (1), Penalties Piatek (3) Black Spruce - Tries MacAfee (1), Conversion MacAfee (1), Penalties MacAfee (3)
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Thunder tested in final pre-season game
Oakville, Ontario:
Despite coming away with a 24-7 win, Thunder Rugby were given a hard time of it in bright sunshine at Crusader Park yesterday by one of the Marshall Division’s perennial top teams, the Oakville Crusaders. Thunder led 5-0 at the break with a try from Cam Mitchell (Brampton RFC).
Oakville were missing the services of five players who were in the Thunder squad vying to make the final cut onto this region’s entry to the Rugby Canada Super League. One of those was hooker Harry Cheung who opened the second half scoring with a try after several attacking phases by Thunder. However, from the restart Oakville seemed to catch Thunder relaxed and were downfield and over for a converted try within a minute (Alistair Clark, converted by Andrew Buxton-Foreman).
Thunder came back and after some neat passing between fullback Jonathan Goldie (Oakville RFC), centre Sean Windsor (Stoney Creek RFC) and wing Andrew Thomson (Oakville RFC), Thunder stayed inside the Oakville 22 for a long time against a stubborn Oakville defence, until finally, big Matt Lindsay (Brantford RFC) crashed over for the try which Spence Fullerton (Oakville) converted. Not long after, flyhalf Fullerton made a neat break from a ruck just inside Thunder’s half, eluded two defenders, then chipped over and took play to within a metre of the Oakville goal line. However, Oakville won possession and a great clearing kick took the play out of their half. Then it was Oakville providing all the pressure for 10 or 12 minutes, until Conor Wade (London RFC) popped out from a maul on the halfway, drew a defender then neatly passed to Fullerton near the touchline, back inside to Cam Mitchell who raced the last 20 yards to score his second try of the day. Fullerton converted to finish the scoring 24-7 for Thunder.
Thunder assistant coach Gary Whitley commented, “It was a good hard test, and just what we needed before next weekend,” when Thunder travel to the East Coast to play Black Spruce in Fredericton on Saturday, then the Keltics in Halifax on Monday. The squad of 25 selected for Thunder’s opening RCSL matches will practice as a unit Tuesday at Stoney Creek RFC and Thursday at Burlington RFC before flying out Friday morning at 9:00 am, with a return flight early Tuesday morning.
In a warm-up game to yesterday’s match, Lightning, the U20 development squad of the Thunder organization, defeated a Crusader select team 27-7. Owen Clarke (Hamilton Hornets RFC) and Jeff Donald (Waterloo RFC) had particularly good games for the Lightning.
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Opening tryouts attract 60 hopefuls at Ivor Wynne Stadium
Hamilton, Ontario: The Thunder Rugby club held their first tryouts on Saturday at Ivor Wynne Stadium and Head Coach Jeff Prince was “very impressed with the turnout”.
Returning players included Jordan Kozina, Matt Lindsay and last year’s captain, Jonathan Goldie, among others. Prince and assistant coaches Gary Macdonald and Gary Whitley put the hopefuls through a variety of drills for two hours.
Prince added, “The fitness level of those that made it out was very good for this time of year. I also saw some new faces- and that is always a good sign. The numbers and the quality of players that came out will make for some difficult decisions as we go through the selection process, but that's an excellent position for us to be in.”
Club president Dave Burnett said that nearly all the clubs in the region, from Windsor to Oakville, and west to Waterloo County, were represented. In addition, some players from senior Toronto clubs were also there, vying for a spot on this area’s rep team in the Rugby Canada Super League (RCSL).
Thunder Rugby draws elite players from teams in the Ontario Premier divisions to play in the RCSL and coach Prince is planning a heavy and focused program to get the team ready for an early start: a two game weekend in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia over the Victoria Day weekend in May.
Another tryout and practice will take place again at Ivor Wynne this Saturday March 31 at 3pm. Further information including the full schedule will be available on the website at www.niagarathunderrugby.com or call (905) 336-9545
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Niagara Thunder Rugby release pre-season preparations
Burlington, Ontario: The Niagara Thunder Rugby has now finalized their 2007 season schedule. As in past season preparations, they begin with 2 open practices, March 24th and 31st inviting players from all clubs to participate in typical testing and scrimmaging scenario’s to allow players to measure their personal readiness against Thunder criteria and provide the coaches an opportunity to look at new prospective team players as well as the form of returning players.
New head coach Jeff Prince is planning a heavy and focused program to get the team ready for an early start, a two game weekend in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia over the Victoria Day weekend in May. “With the Marshall, Ontario’s top division not starting until after this Super League, extra preparation is essential to the success of our program” said Prince “Working closely with leading clubs in our area is also a key element to enhancing our success, Gary and I are excited about our prospects and we expect to put on an exciting series of games for the players and fans alike”.
In April there will be an inter-squad Green vs. Gold trial, warm-up games against two of the top clubs in Ontario, Irish Canadian’s and to finish, Oakville Crusaders just one week before taking off to the Maritimes.
This season, the Thunder will almost certainly be without 4 of their leading players of past seasons. Sean-Michael Stephen has gone on to a pro career in France and Arron (Carps) Carpenter and twins Mike and Dan Pletch will be busy working with Rugby Canada preparations for the 2007 World Cup of Rugby. This should be quite a test of the teams depth, but the staff is still bullish on their chances for another successful season.
The Niagara Lightning under 20 development team will again work closely with the Thunder and expect to play all of their games on the same day as Thunder Home fixtures, Culminating in a season end double header with current national champions the Newfoundland Rock on August 4th.
Season tickets will be available at all Niagara clubs, the cost of which will remain at $20.00
RCSL AGM
Tuesday October 17, 2006: This past weekend the Rugby Canada Super League (RCSL) Annual General Meeting was held in Calgary Alberta. A number of Representatives from Rugby Canada were in attendance. Graham Brown CEO made presentations on the previous years operational relationship with the Super League and provided an insight to the planned direction the Rugby Canada initiatives and how they will interface with the RCSL. Trevor Arnold – Referee Development gave an informative presentation on Rugby Canada’s plans for enhancing future referee development programs.
The team reports provided a clear indication of the common challenges that face each team off the field and confirmed overall satisfaction with the improving status of the playing performance on the field. Some teams struggled more than others in 2006, but all were confident of overcoming those issues in 2007. The Newfoundland Rock was acknowledged for retaining the MacTier Cup and they together with the Saskatchewan Prairie Fire were applauded for an excellent high performance final.
Bob Kreasul the commissioner in 2006 offered to re-deploy his unquestionable energy to the Toronto Xtreme to assist the franchise recover from a very difficult 2006. Pat Parfrey has been named as Commissioner for 2007 with on-going support from Kreasul and the Executive Committee, who were re-elected to serve another term by acclamation. “We are extremely excited to have Pat as Commissioner, this helps free up my time to make the Toronto team a contender once again,” stated Kreasul.
Due to the planned changes in some of Rugby Canada’s programs some decisions were held off until a later date so that more information could be available and it was agreed to hold another meeting to review the progress in these matters in one months time.
Following the meeting a dinner/roast was held in a nearby hostelry during which the previous long-standing commissioner, Kevin Blanchette, was rudely thanked for his hard work and presented with a large map of Canada representing all of the RCSL teams and a one-of-a-kind custom golf shirt in recognition of his outstanding commitment.
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Thunder end their season with a win over the Quebec Caribou
Playing on the Caribou’s “Field Turf” ground and under a steady rainfall all through the game, the Niagara Thunder’s superior finishing gave them a 19 points to 6 win over an improved and determined Quebec Caribou team. The slippery conditions coupled by the unpredictable behaviour of the ball on the artificial surface were a big factor in the games “scrappy” performance. Fumbles and dropped passes were de rigour of the day. Referee Dan Gana of the Ontario Referee Society did his best to keep the game flowing, but with neither side able to dominate control for extended periods, the game was dominated with restarts and slow deliveries. The conditions tended to even out the two teams, especially in the first half. Andrew Wilson drove over for Thunder’s first try of the game and Fullerton stroked the ball well to add the 2 point conversion. Less than 2 minutes later the Caribou struck back with a penalty after a Thunder player was caught playing the ball illegally. Score at half time Thunder 7, Caribou 3.
In the second half, the game continued to swing from one end of the field to the other and last minute impatience and the wet conditions led to turn-over ball and clearance by both teams for some time. Eventually, the Thunder were able to piece enough control together to deliver 2 more well constructed try’s, 1 of which were converted. First following a period of controlled recycled plays, Hooker Harry Cheung powered over and 10 minutes later, Jonathan Goldie finished of a series of excellent handling with a high speed dash against the flow to round the Caribou defence for a try near the right corner of the field. A while later, Caribou’s Matt de Graff added a second well-struck penalty to his tally after another Thunder handling transgression. Late in the game Thunder’s Flanker, Andrew Wilson was yellow carded for a slightly late tackle on the Caribou Out-Half. This seemed to give the Caribou a lift and for a while they threatened the Thunder line on several occasions, the Thunder defence held on doggedly to keep them out and when Wilson returned to the field the burst of energy died out. For reasons known only to the Thunder, two attempts at a drop goal late in the game, one by Fullerton then a second by captain Goldie went awry when one would have expected a full out drive to secure the fourth try and a bonus point would have been the logical decision.
This was the first time the Thunder had played a league game on “Field turf” and it drew a mix of comment from the players. Generally they seemed to like the surface and were happy there were no burns from sliding on it, as was so often the case on older artificial turf surfaces. Several players found the traction was slightly more demanding and tiring on the legs but overall they scored the experience as a positive one.
This game saw the end of the Thunder’s season having won 5 and lost only 1 game against the Newfoundland Rock who as Eastern Division champions and 2005 Super League champions, now face the Western Division’s Prairie Fire on August 5th in St. Johns, Newfoundland to determine who will win the 2006 final and hoist the famous MacTier Cup.
On a warm sunny afternoon at Swiler Park in St. John’s Newfoundland, Niagara Thunders dream of an Eastern Championship came to a crashing halt. The Rock won handily by 36 points to 19. At the start, the Thunder roared deep into Rock territory and forced no less than 2 penalties within 5 minutes; such was the pressure on the Rock line. Unfortunately both kicks failed dismally bringing the Thunders confidence down and boosting the Rocks to new heights. Just 10 minutes later the Rock won a penalty and made no mistake in converting it to 3 points. Buoyed by their success, the Rock kept up relentless pressure breaking tackles and with excellent support off the ball carrier, ran in 3 try’s before the half way mark and went into the break 26 – 0.
The second half was a closer contest, but a couple of lapses in the thunder defense saw the Rock cross twice more before the Thunder finally began to work in earnest. Eventually they crossed for 3 unanswered try’s to bring the score to a more respectable conclusion.
Throughout the game the Rock defense played heroically holding out many Thunder attempts to cross the line and all too often causing a turn-over ball and subsequent clearance. Veteran Rod Snow showed he still has much to offer and the front row tussle was an almost 80 minute war between the 2 sides. In the end the experience of the more mature Rock team made the difference. The Thunders young guns (average age 20.2 years) will have learned much from the experience.
Scorers: Dan Pletch, Mike Pletch and Jonathan Goldie Try’s, Spencer Fullerton 2 Conversions.
Thunder and Lightning name teams for Newfoundland.
Both teams are taking strong squads to meet the Newfoundland Rock and under 21 sides this weekend. The teams fly out of Toronto Thursday evening and will use Friday to acclimatize to their surrounding before playing the games Saturday afternoon at the newly renovated Swilers field on the outskirts of St. Johns. Players from 6 different clubs make up the Thunder team and amongst their number are 3 full Canadian caps, 3 NA/4 and 2 current u21 players. The Rock will match the Thunder with a similar number of international players including the infamous Rod Snow who is now back in Canada after a lengthy professional career in the U.K.
On Sunday, the Thunder met the Nova Scotia Keltics and won by 60 points to 19. The game was played under very hot, humid and sunny conditions, which put a considerable strain on the players. The Keltics were visibly feeling the effects of two tough games on the road in 2 days, but stuck to their task throughout the game and were rewarded with 2 good tries in the second half. The game was the first outing for the Thunder’s Canadian star Aaron Carpenter who looked in fine for carrying the ball, though some of his play was a little uncharacteristic. The half time score was 29 – 5 and full time 60 – 19. Thunder tries were scored by Piatek 3, Carpenter 3, Jones, Lindsay, McCabe and Veldman. Piatek also kicked 5 converts to bring his total to 25 points for the day.
Within 5 minutes of the kick off the Xtreme sent out a loud warning and drove over for a try near the corner. Unexpectedly for all and perhaps especially Simon Rogers, whose boot is usually unfaultable, it was clear this was not going to be a good night for the kickers. The Thunder gradually gained their composure and took control of large parts of the game eventually running up a score of 26 point to 5 at the halfway mark. Shaun Windsor, working well with his fellow backs scored 2 excellent tries in the first half.
After thawing out in their respective dressing rooms, the teams took to the field with the Thunder now facing the unrelenting cold and strong wind. Obviously the half time chat had led to their decision to run everything and not risk loosing possession through kicks into the wind. It took over 30 minutes until they could unlock the Xtreme defense during which time there were some exciting end to end passages of play that unfortunately neither side was able to capitalize on. Eventually the Thunder barreled over for a try on the far side of the field which Steve Piatek was able to force over the cross bar for the conversion. Another 5 minutes elapsed before the final try cam and shortly thereafter Sandy Nesbitt from Alberta who somehow managed to keep warm enough to call a sound game called an end to the affair sparking a mass exodus to the warmth of the clubhouse.
Scores: Trys – Xtreme Scott Dunham, Thunder Shaun Windsor 2, James Wood 1, Matt Lindsay 1, Jarod Selby 1. Conversions – Spnecer Fullerton 1, Steve Piatek 1. Penalties – Spencer Fullerton 2, Steve Piatek 1
Thunder announces team to play Xtreme
Niagara Thunder make few changes to the side that beat the Harlequins last Saturday. Many battle weary players step up to the challenge following the Super League game on Saturday and then a full league club game schedule on Sunday that has left many players limping and smarting. Coach Whitley has put his faith in the strength of character of his squad who despite injury have continued to practice and prepare for the always strong Toronto Xtreme. The game is to be played at Fletchers Fields in Markham on Friday evening. Kick off 7.00 p.m. Team listed under Schedules and Results.
Thunder hang on to claim victory over a spirited Harlequins side
On a wet and overcast Saturday morning the Thunder recovered well in the second half to overcome a half time deficit of 17 points to 10 to become eventual winners 32 to 25 in this the first Rugby Canada Super League game of the 2006 season. Despite the conditions and a slippery ball, it was a fast open game played with considerable enthusiasm. 7 tries were scored between the teams and some with outstanding displays of skill and pace. The Harlequins came out strong and proved once again they are not a team to treat lightly and should do well this season.
Full report to follow later...
Thunder to open season this Saturday
Crusader Park on 9th Line in Oakville
Kick off 10.30
The Niagara Thunder entertain the Ottawa Harlequins and the Lightning u21 development team the Ottawa u21's. Both games at the same venue with a slightly later kick off time for the Lightning at 11.00
And then there were 4
Injuries to a Churchill Cup players have opened the door of opportunity to another Thunder player. Sean-Michael Stephen has been called up to the squad following on from a dynamic performance in the recent North American 4 rugby program in British Columbia.
3 Thunder players named to Churchill Cup squad
Dan and brother Mike Pletch together with Aaron Carpenter have been listed as part of the Churchill Cup squad 2006. The Canadian leg of the Churchill Cup will kick off in Toronto at York University stadium June 3rd with England playing Scotland. Then on to Ottawa for the Canada vs. Scotland game Wednesday June 7th and the final leg of the Canadian pool again at York Uniiversity June 10th, where Canada will play England before everything moves to Edmonton for the finals a week later.
The whole Thunder organization wish the 3 players and the whole team the very best in the tornament and look forward to some exciting rugby from our team as well as the visitors.
Thunder preparing for first game of season.
The Thunder will entertain the Ottawa Harlequins at Crusader Park on Ninth Line in Oakville Saturday morning June 3rd. The Niagara Lightning under 21 development squad will also play the Ottawa u21's. Players currently away with the NA/4 are expected to rejoin the final practices and the team will be announced June 1st.
Phil MacKenzie joins sevens circuit
Thunder's rising star Phil MacKenzie named to Canada's sevens squad
Eight Thunder players called to NA/4
Dan and Mike Pletch, Sean-Michael Steven, Dave Neil, Jared Selby, Jordan Kozina, Aaron Carpenter, Steve Piatek
