The provincial representatives earned a trip to the national final for the third time in four years with a masterful 20-5 decision over an Ontario side that beat them in last season's eastern final. Newfoundland will play host to the west division winners in the Canadian championship Aug. 9.

In what was one of the most physical and nasty games played at Swilers complex in a decade, the home team thrilled a large crowd on a chilly overcast day with big hits and some impressive rucking and mauling in picking up the decisive victory.

The Rock defence gave up a last-play try in the corner to the visitors after a brilliant defensive stand inside their own 22-metre line. It was the only crack in the wall for a team cleary out for revenge.

The flat-out aggressive style of both sides led to some surly play and more than one threat to do bodily harm to an opponent in the first half of action. The teams settled down and stuck to the basics in the final 40 minutes of the entertaining match.

"You might say we hate each other," said Rock flanker Andrew Fagan, who plays the game a rowdy as anyone. "There's always been a rivalry because we are two dominant teams in the east."

Fagan said the players decided in the dressing room at half time to "cut out the shit and get down to playing rugby. It's important to keep your head. You've got to find the balance between passion and control."

The Rock took the game to Niagara early and drove inside the visitors' five-metre line before turning the ball over.

Aside from some ball fumbling on the misty day, "Our defence was rock solid," said Rock assistant coach Simon Blanks.

"The only consolation score they got at the end was a result of our mistakes," noted Blanks, who wasn't too pleased with the number of dropped balls by the winning side."

Niagara tightened its defence until the 29th minute when The Rock stole a lineout inside its own zone which eventually led to Fagan touching down the first try. Dean Blanks converted for a 7-0 advantage at the half.

Blanks slotted a penalty kick 10 minutes into the second half for a 10-0 Rock lead.

Thunder earned penalty opportunities inside the Rock's 22-metre line a couple of times in the second half but opted to run the ball instead of trying to pick up points via the kicking route.

Blanks booted another penalty from 10 metres for a 13-0 lead and Justin Meyers put the game out of reach at 76 minutes, finishing off a superb passing play involving several Rock players.

Coach Blanks was more worried about the long layoff between now and the final.

"It's a huge issue with us and something that Pat (head coach Pat Palfrey) and I have to address. The boys have to play, so we just have to decide how to go about getting them some games. We'll possibly bring in some players (from Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) for an invitational."

Clearly The Rock will need another gear if they are to get back their championship status. The Newfoundland players believe they have more in the tank.

"Overall, the game went well," said Fagan, who was a little disappointed the team gave up a try at the end of the match.

"It was a good test before the final. Our fitness level is coming up and I think we'll be ready for it. But it gets harder and harder as you go along. We've got a long month of fitness, but I have a feeling the crowd is in for a treat."

 EAST
 
TEAM GP RECORD BNS PTS
NL 5 5-0-0 4 24
NIA 5 3-1-1 3 17
QC 5 3-1-1 3 17
NB 5 2-3-0 1 9
OTT 4 0-4-0 0 0
NS 4 0-4-0 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
 
 

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