Game Report - NOBS vs Ebb Tide - April 27
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY COMES TO JUAN DE FUCA PARK
Ebb Tide and Northwest Old Boys Clash in Pacific Battle by Ace Reporter Christopher Poulton:
Another great day of rugby was played in Canada’s south pacific when the Northwest Old Boys sailed in to town on Saturday, April 27, 2019. The international match was the first one played by Ebb Tide at Juan de Fuca Park, home of Westshore RFC.
The game was played as any other game this season with the gnarling and gnashing of teeth as the forwards were grinding it out, fighting for the ownership of the pill and advancing down the field. The backs, with their finesse, moves and agility that can only be seen in over 40s rugby, left their indelible mark on the field setting up a few plays so a couple of forwards could score a try. And in the background over all the testosterone clashing about on the field could be heard the NOBs scrum half, Amy Drackert (with her husband in support), as she called to order her squad, preparing them for phase after phase trying to break through the Ebb Tide line.
“It’s great to see the ladies out there playing with us,” said Dave Millard, Ebb Tide’s VP. “Having them wear the red shorts really gets everyone in the game playing.” One way to fill an increasing gap in old-boys club membership is to have women who still want to play come out and play, he said.
The first two halves of the match were dominated by Ebb Tide scoring seven trys. Then in the third quarter, the NOBs managed to break through Ebb Tide’s defence to score their only try of the match, under Amy’s masterful leadership on the field. The fourth quarter went back to Ebb Tide where first time old-boy and prop forward, Neil “Nitro” Hagerty (of Westshore RFC), bolted from 22 to 22 with the hidden speed of a gazelle to set up Ebb Tide’s ninth try by Nelson Bath. A tenth and final try was scored by second year veteran lock Jeremy Harvey, his first ever try…ever.
Ebb Tide try scorers
- Aaron Cook (back) x 2
- Paul Eby (captain) x 1
- Paul Cao (scrum-half) x 2
- Matt Gordon (winger) x 3
- Nelson Bath (back) x 1
- Jeremy Harvey (lock) x 1... first one ever.
After the match, Westshore RFC hosted Ebb Tide and the NOBs in the Juan de Fuca Field House to a jambalaya lunch. The good times and comradery extended well into Saturday night with all coming together and hitting the pubs in Victoria – brothers and sisters in rugby.
Ebb Tide’s red jacket was awarded to Jeremy Harvey for his determination and play on the field but really it was because he scored his first try.
Ebb Tide’s selection for Woman of the Match went to Amy Drackert for her leadership and play on the field.
NOBs selection for Man of the Match went to Paul Cao for his unwavering endurance and play with an honourable going to “Nitro” Hagerty for his prop forward hustle down the field, inspiring old and young props alike.
Rugby. The game played in heaven.