In an as-yet undefeated season, the Thunder’s rugby coaches have come to expect more than just a victory from the men’s team – they expect an exceptional one.
Algonquin pummeled the Seneca Sting with a final score of 43-5 at their afternoon match Sunday, Oct. 4, at Twin Elm Rugby Park. Despite a blowout on paper, it appeared the team’s biggest opponents were themselves, as the game served to highlight a handful of shortcomings.
“We played a very good first half and an absolutely horrendous second half,” said assistant coach Bob Shaw. “We were knocking the ball on repeatedly – in situations where we weren’t really even under a lot of pressure. I think the guys sort of thought it was just going to be too easy of a game and they lost their focus.”
The first half of Sunday’s game undoubtedly displayed the Thunder as masters of their sport. The tackles were clean, the scrums were effective and the tries appeared effortless.
While the second half was indeed less impressive, the highlight of the day happened seconds before the game was over when Thunder eight-man Stephen Byford performed the finest tackle of the game.
In another instance of crunch-time dominance, full back Mike Korecky scored his second of two tries just before halftime.
“It was good but I feel like we’ve still got to work on some things, like support play,” said Korecky. “And our set piece is very off right now.”
Despite perceived set issues, the Thunder took control of the contest from right out of the gate with an aggressive start. They exhibited great defence with some noteworthy tackles and a persistent offence.
Their efforts resulted in seven tries in total – Matt Normand, Mike Korecky and Mark Scholl claimed two each and Brent Buckley took one. Thunder scrum half Brock Burge made four conversions.
On three instances, members of the Sting were taken off of the field due to injury.
Algonquin went on to play the also-undefeated Trent Excalibur on Friday, Oct. 9 at Justin Chiu Stadium in Peterborough where they broke their winning streak, losing 49-8.