BANFF – The Banff Bears aren’t worried about making the playoffs – the rugby team is focused on winning another championship.
A major confidence is radiating among the defending champion men’s team after pulverizing the Calgary Saracens, 64-0, last Saturday (July 20) in Calgary Rugby Union (CRU) action.
Bears’ Daniel Dixon, Elliot Smith, Jarek Rathwell, Max Lozeman and Oliver McKay provided the team’s offence in the dominant victory – the second time the champs won by over 60 points and third by over 30.
The Bears improved to 5-3 and with only two matches remaining in the regular season, the club is flexing on the league as they sit in the fourth and final playoff spot.
“We’re confident we’ll be competing for a repeat on the southern Alberta championship,” said McKay, forward and president of Banff Rugby Club.
In the blink of an eye, the Bears pounced on the Saracens and had a comfy 17-0 lead within the first 10 minutes. The Bears never looked back in the blowout.
“[The Saracens] had sloppy ball handling, which we counterpunched on consistently,” said McKay.
The champs are 5-1 in CRU competition since forfeiting its first two games of the season due to troubles with fielding a full 15-man roster.
The Bears have been zeroed in on developing its younger athletes this season, who’ve had major contributions over the six matches played.
Now, the team is focused on returning to the CRU finals.
“We’re really focused on preparation and the finer points of our game,” McKay said. “Essentially, we’re starting a game plan from start to finish.”
The Bears will go after the CRU division 3 title without captain Ben Rada, who had season-ending surgery following the Bears’ July 13 victory in Banff.
Veteran Frank Dwyer will serve as the new captain.
“Ben is opting to take off the rest of season and had surgery on his hip,” McKay said. “The risk factor of him playing not worth him coming back this season.”
The CRU playoffs begin Aug. 17.
