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EASTERN CONFERENCE UP FOR GRABS THIS WEEKEND |
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On Saturday, June 28 The Rock will host Niagara Thunder at The Swilers Rugby Complex (3:00 pm) to determine the Eastern Conference representative in the RCSL National Final on August 9.
Last year the Thunder defeated the Rock, but lost to the Saskatchewan Prairie Fire in the final in Regina. This year the Thunder had a fright in their first game against the Quebec Caribou, but equalizied in the last minute through a converted try by winger Andrew Thompson. This try kept them in contention for the title, a hope that became reality when the Rock knocked out the Caribou with a comprehensive display of power rugby.
The Thunder have a stronger team than last year as they now select from the Niagara and Toronto regions. Their strengths lie in a fast pack, a stifling defence, the experienced leadership of power forward Dave Knowles, the kicking skills of Steve Piatek, and the elusive running of Dan West.
The Rock have played well this year. Despite improved performances from Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Rock won all four bonus points available while playing their entire squad of 29 players, including six from last year's U20 team, newcomer Morgan Lovell, vets Tyler Wish and Ken Goodland and rejuvenated captain Peter Densmore.
The Rock enter the contest at an advantage as they have 20 points and Niagara three fewer with 17. The Thunder must win, and either gain a bonus point through scoring four tries in the process or prevent the Rock from scoring two bonus points by scoring four tries and losing by less than seven points.
The prospects are for a titanic struggle between the talent available from the wide player base of the Thunder and the passion characteristic of the tightly–knit Rock squad. The long standing rivalry between the two regions promises a rip-roaring game .
The Rock have several injuries and will be selected from the following later in the week:
Front row: Frank Walsh, Chris Burt, Peter Densmore, Owen Parfrey, Rod Snow, Dan King
2nd row: Chris Mooney, Phil Alcock, SeanO’Leary, Brad Lester
Back row: Andrew Fagan, Kevin Parfrey, Ken Goodland, Justin Meyers, Mike Holloway, Robert Caines
Scrum half: Colin Penney, Adam Paul
Out half: Dean Blanks
Centre: Tyler Wish, Robert Wilson, Jason Picco
Wings: Mike Rodofski, Grant Moffett, Andrew McCabe, Cyril Bugden
Fullback: Morgan Lovell, Ciaran Hearn
EAST
TEAM GP RECORD BNS PTS
NL 4 4-0-0 4 20
NIA 4 3-0-1 3 17
QC 5 3-1-1 3 17
NB 4 1-3-0 0 4
NS 4 0-4-0 0 0
OTT 3 0-3-0 0 0
WEST
TEAM GP RECORD BNS PTS
CGY 3 3-0-0 3 15
EDM 3 2-0-1 2 12
SK 4 1-2-1 3 9
VI 4 1-3-0 4 8
VAN 4 1-3-0 2 6 |
Competitions 
