Despite having some regulars out of the lineup due to injury, the Banff Rugby Football Club men’s side dominated the Ogres 33-3 in Calgary Rugby Union play, Saturday (June 18) in Medicine Hat.
Gavin Drury, named man of the match, scored Banff’s opening try after the team arrived just prior to game time. “He scored our first try, played well and didn’t miss a tackle,” said Mark Hooper. “He had a very strong game.
“We defended really well, even though we had some people injured. But the guys who came in for the injured filled in like they’ve played all season.
“We got there late and only had a quick warmup, but I’m really happy with the effort. For the first 10 minutes, we were just blowing out the cobwebs.”
The win puts Banff at 3-1 and in fifth place with two games in hand in CRU second division play.
Hooper had a pair of tries in the victory, while Ben McGinn and Michael Montana notched a try apiece.
“I think 3-1 sounds a lot better than 2-2,” said Hooper. “I’m happy with 3-1. We’ve had some niggling injuries, but it’s just some guys need to take some time to rest and ice.
“Other than the one hiccup (a 35-28 loss to Calgary’s Saints), things are slowly starting to come together.”
BRFC, of course, is looking to play their way into the provincial championship final for the third season in a row.
In 2009, BRFC won the CRU title, then defeated Fort McMurray in a provincial championship match held in Edmonton. In 2010, trying for a repeat, they again captured the CRU title, but were defeated at provincials by Leduc Crude at the CRU field in Calgary.
This Saturday (June 25), BRFC host the Calgary Rams, at 12:30 p.m. at the Rec Grounds.
Banff edged the Rams 30-27 in the opening game of the season, and Hooper said the Calgary squad should provide a good challenge.
“They’ll be a tough test. I think it’ll be a close game, but we’ll see what happens.”
