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Brandon Barbarians Rugby Football Club

Rugby Manitoba Senior Men Division One

June 20, 2009

Game Played at Reilly Field, Canada Games Rugby Park, Brandon

Winnipeg Wasps 20  Brandon Barbarians 17

After trailing for most of the game, the Wasps were finally able to get their message across: new jerseys, new shorts, new attitude (or at least one not seen around here for a while) mean the Wasps of 2009 are not the same as the Wasps of 2008. The Barbs’ Paul Grosskopf made the first try of the game before five minutes had passed. Wayne Davis used the increasing east winds to make a beautiful conversion. It seemed everything was going according to plan. Brian Yon and Jon Fitzpatrick made a try apiece. And then....with .less than 10 minutes remaining, the Wasps broke through the 17-15 stalemate with a final try. Game playing conditions of 28C (Humidex of 31C) made the final 20-17 score seem worse that it really was. The Wasps in their striking new black kit not only looked sharp, they played sharp when it counted. Barbs’ next play the UofM Wombats Saturday, June 27 at Reilly Field.

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Based on our general performance in our pervious three matches - the match versus Wasps was all about producing a convincing, winning performance. The actual result was somewhat secondary.

Our effort may not have produced a win for us - but it was by far our best, and most convincing 80 minutes of the 2009 season. It was a tremendous emotional boost to everyone in the squad.

I wouldn't say that there was a feeling of panic within the squad, regarding our 1W-2L record heading into the match. However, after last week's loss to Sturgeon Creek, it was becoming apparent to everyone, that we were struggling on the pitch.

Performance in the match was crucial for us - in the sense that we absolutely had to produce an effort that we could feel good about.... And I'm happy to say that we did exactly that.

Winning the match would have been a bonus. But, perhaps more importantly, today's performance reminded everyone - including ourselves, that the Barbarians can play winning rugby.... The Wasps always play with a great deal of determination and pride; so everyone was very prepared for a testing 80 minutes.

Scoring two minutes into the match certainly set the tone for us - and I was very pleased with our effort over the first 40 minutes, and our 12-5 lead.

After getting the first score in the second-half to lead 17-5, I think we may have become a little too comfortable.... And with 35 minutes remaining, the Wasps certainly weren't going to concede anything. Their next 15 points without a reply from us, was testimony to this fact.

It was difficult lose the match by virtue of a broken play try by the Wasps - especially after our defence has been so stable throughout the match.... However, the Wasps made the most of the opportunity - in a match when scoring chances were limited.

In any event, our focus now, is to use the momentum which we gained today - and begin winning some rugby games.