Playing firebrand Banff rugby in an effort to snap a home losing streak, captain Jeremy Woodcock broke a deadlock in the dying minutes of the game with a brilliant run to give the Banff Men’s Rugby squad a 14-7 victory over the Calgary Hornets on Saturday (June 21) at the Banff Rec. Grounds.
It’s their first win on home soil since May 24, and secures the team’s third place spot in the Calgary Rugby Union’s third division.
“That’s our second win at home. We’ve lost a couple in a row, so it always feels good,” Woodcock said shortly after scoring the winning try. He came off the bench and was the difference maker for the young Bear’s squad.
“Mark Hooper got the ball at the 22 (yard line). Their defence split, he pops me the ball, I stiff arm one guy, run around the other and in for the win,” Woodcock said.
The hometown Bears were in tough early on, losing three players to injury in the first half – two by crushing Hornet hits and another struck on the sidelines by a flying beer sign sent soaring by the wind. The rookie-laden lineup had to play tight defence against the Hornets, as they used their full bench in victory.
Woodcock said the team is slowly learning to play with one another, as they get used to this year’s rolling subs system.
“There were a lot of things we were doing right, but we have to tighten it up. Instead of staying still on defence, we need to come up and drive them back instead of them driving into us,” Woodcock said. “We still have a really young team and we’re still getting comfortable playing with each other.”
He’d like to see the scrum and ruck work improve, and the offence would like to generate more tries, but it will come in time.
“Obviously improvement comes through leadership and practice. Our play wasn’t perfect, but the day we play perfect is the day I retire,” Woodcock said. “We need to be unselfish. People are trying to do too much on their own.”
The Bears are at home again this Saturday at 2 p.m. as they take on the Calgary Canucks. Third place in the CRU Division 3 is on the line, and the Bears want to put on a good show for their loyal fans at the Banff Rec Grounds.
They’re also looking for more players for the season. Woodcock said those who still want to join the team can join a practice on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Banff Community High School or Thursdays at 6:30 at the Rec Grounds. The rolling subs format means everyone will get to play.
Woodcock would especially like to see more high school players on the team.
“We’re in the third division and we’re playing young high school players. Don’t be afraid to come out. The more, the merrier,” Woodcock said.
