Poor weather has enveloped the new west and Friday's match between the Tide and the Mavericks would experience little reprieve from the wet conditions. The Tide forwards were clearly a much bigger group than their opponents. Time would tell whether their size and physicality would overshadow the mobile and more diminutive Mavericks pack. The backlines looked well matched with Daypuck and McDowell sure to add a creative punch to the Tide offence and Mavericks Woodward and Pocock linking counter attack.

The Tide struggled early with penalties allowing the Mavericks three opportunities at goal in the first 12 minutes of the match. Mavericks standoff Woodward was successful in one of his attempts,opening a brief 3 point lead for the home side. Three minutes later, Tide flyhalf Daypuck ended a knifing run through Maverick tacklers with an exciting try. Daypuck would factor in much of the Tide attack during the match and his elusive running style stretch the Mavericks defence in order to corral him. The conversion attempt by Tide fullback McDowell was wide of the mark.

Mavericks outside centre Pocock crashed through the Tide defence touching down at the 22 minute mark. A conversion by Woodward advanced the Mavericks lead to 10-5. The try by Pocock, his third in two games, further supports Rugby Canada's promotion of the young centre to the Canada Select side that will take on England Counties in Chatham, Ont. on June 13 ' 08. Daypuck, directing a relaxed and controlled script throughout the match, dampened the Mavericks supporters enthusiasm with a well struck drop goal at the 27 minute mark of the first half.

The sides battled for possession and territory; fans were entertained by probing and exhilarating rushes by both sets of backs. Daypuck and Woodward were effective in quarterbacking their charges, utilizing overlaps and misses to force some episodes of desperation defence by both sides. The Mavericks punched through a try at the 33 minute mark as prop Hawes found himself ball in hand and facing a gap with one Tide defender to evade to score an important try close to the posts. Woodward had an easy set up to convert the try, moving the Mavs ahead of their west coast opponents by a score of 17 - 8. The half ended early as a result of a an injury to Tide winger Robinson. Robinson was involved in a massive collision with Mavericks Payette and caution prevailed as field officials were concerned that a neck injury may have occurred in the contact. Robinson left the pitch on his own strength, another example of the incredible mettle of this man.

The Tide's slow start allowed the Mavericks to establish a 9 point lead at the half. Daypuck and McDowell added some flash, however, momentary lapses allowed the Mavericks backs to stride deep into the visitors territory on a number of occasions.

Mavericks winger Viens stretched out the Tide defenders as he evaded tacklers, scoring a try before being swept into touch by a Tide defender. Woodward was unable to convert from the difficult angle. The try served to shake the visitors to life and the Tide slid into the drivers seat when Dunse, who had come in as a replacement for Robinson, touch down for an easy try amid a sloppy display of tackling by the home team. McDowell was afforded a relatively straightforward shot at goal , however, the usually precise kicker was unable to convert the try. The Mavericks now lead 22-13.

Mavericks flanker Van Zehal was show a yellow card for failing to release at the 53 minute mark and the Tide took immediate advantage of the opportunity as McDowell struck true on a 38 metre penalty goal, tightening the Mavericks lead to 6 points. The Tide continued to test the tackling prowess of the home side. Deft attacks led by Daypuck and McDowell stretched the defenders wide and only ball handling challenges experienced by the Tide and effective tackling by the Mavericks kept the crimson men from narrowing the Mavericks lead. The Tide continued to pound at the Mavericks defence; Daypuck utilized well placed kicks to force the Mavericks to restart deep on their own end. At the 55 minute mar, Mavericks centre McPherson exploited an offered overlap and pierced the gap, out-legging his opponents to a decisive try under the posts. Woodward chipped in the conversion, opening a 29-16 lead for the Mavericks.

Showing true Tide character, the visitors reloaded and dominated the remaining minutes in the final frame. Pinning the Mavericks down with tactical kicking, the Tide hammered at the Mavericks defence, attempting to open gaps and utilize overlaps to expose a seam. The forward pack from Vancouver Island battered the Mavericks, isolating ball handlers and forcing penalties. The home team defended courageously. Ball handling errors and challenges experienced in the lineouts by the Tide allowed the Mavericks to wriggle out from under dominance displayed by the surging Tide.

At the 38 minute mark, McDowell sprung from his back field position, bursting through the throng of Maverick defenders chasing down a kick that was poorly handled by a Maverick, and scoring a try under the posts. The Tide fullback converted his try with a cheeky drop kick before the Mavericks could assemble on their line. The score was 29 - 23 and with their lead evaporating and the Tide pressing harder, the Mavericks supporters were visibly concerned that their win was slipping away.

The Tide continued putting the pressure on the Mavericks, attacking with renewed vigor and focus. The Mavericks met each charge with a blanket of tacklers. The game ended on a clearing kick to touch by Woodward. The 29-23 win would move the Calgary Mavericks atop the Western Division standings.

 EAST
 
TEAM GP RECORD BNS PTS
QC 5 3-1-1 3 17
NL 3 3-0-0 3 15
NIA 3 2-0-1 2 12
NB 3 0-3-0 0 0
OTT 2 0-2-0 0 0
NS 2 0-2-0 0 0
 
 WEST
 
 
TEAM GP RECORD BNS PTS
CGY 2 2-0-0 2 10
EDM 1 1-0-0 1 5
VI 2 1-1-0 1 5
VAN 2 1-1-0 1 5
SK 3 0-3-0 3 3
 
 

MAVERICKS END PRARIES SEASON
 
A major milestone for the Calgary Mavericks was surpassed last saturday at Calgary Rugby Park. The Calgary Mavericks defeated the Saskatchewan Prarie Fire by a one try margin 29-22.

Highlight players from the mavericks include; Carl Pocock, Steve Woodward, Rogen Verboven and Tom Dutchak, who made a "Sportscenter-Highlight-reel" hit that sent tremors around Calgary for miles.

All in all a good effort from the Mavericks as they look forward to Fridays clash against the Crimson Tide.

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