The St. Thomas University men’s rugby team faced off against the University of New Brunswick Ironmen on Oct. 27.
The Tommies and Ironmen both started strong.
The Ironmen opened up the scoring with back to back tries and completed one conversion, taking the lead 12-0.
After the 10 minute mark, the Ironmen capitalized with another try.
The Ironmen continued to pressure the Tommies, pushing them back into their end. They kicked it through the uprights, making the score 20-0.
The Tommies pushed back but were unable to capitalize.
The first half ended with the Tommies trailing scoreless.
The second half started with the Ironmen getting another try, but the Tommies bounced back shortly after. Oliver Larson got the Tommies first try and gained the conversion. The Tommies’ closed the lead to 25-7.
The Ironmen answered the Tommies with two tries of their own, putting the score up to 37-7.
Larson got the Tommies another try and conversion, closing the Ironmen’s lead to 37-14.
The Ironmen pushed back with three tries in the last 10 minutes, but failed to convert, making the final score 52-14.
Fifth-year Tommie Brad Sears said his final season has been bittersweet but he said he’s seen a lot of improvement since he started.
“It was a special group of guys out there this season, we didn’t quit and always had fun on the pitch. It will be tough to not play next year, but I have high hopes for the group of returning players to make a huge impact,” said Sears.
“I am going to miss the energy of the team the most. We had a lot of talent this year and we grew a lot this season with each other and it felt like a group of brothers on and off the field.”
Fourth-year Derek Bailey is also going to miss the team and said his final year has been the best one yet. He’s excited to see the team grow and expects to see big things from them in the future.
“The realization that it was my last game didn’t hit me until two hours before kickoff. I don’t know if I’ll feel the full effects until next September when I’m not getting ready for preseason training,” he said.
“I feel sad that it is over, however, I’m extremely grateful for my time with the team.”
