Holy Trinity Academy Knight Jeff Hassler tackles a Foothills Composite Falcon during the teams’ opening game of the rugby season on Thursday at Foothills Composite. photo by Bruce Campbell
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By Bruce Campbell
sports Editor
Experience clobbered determination on the rugby pitch last week.
The veteran Holy Trinity Knights routed the Foothills Falcons 72-3 Thursday in a South Central Gentlemen’s Rugby Union game at the Comp.
Despite the lopsided score Falcons coach Steve Wager wasn’t licking his wounds.
“We lost to an experienced and very well coached team that has a lot of talent,” Wager said. “What pleased me was that everyone still wanted to play, even when we were way down.
“They all went away with this thinking it was a good learning experience, which is awesome.”
The Falcons have a sprinkling of Grade 12 players, but the majority of their squad is made up of rookies — several of whom were playing in the first formal rugby game of their lives.
Wager, who played rugby in Okotoks for 32 years with the likes of Bill Besselink and Cornie Groenwold, said things can only look up from this point.
“We play HTA in about three or four weeks and I know we will play better,” Wager said.
Thom Hoff, the Knights inside centre, agreed they have an experienced team.
“I think we only have two guys who haven’t played before,” Hoff said. “Almost everyone on our team has at least played a year. Foothills played alright. They just need to play more.”
If all you have is experience, all you have is an old rugby team. The Knights also have plenty of talent.
Jeff Hassler, a member of the Canadian U-17, team scored several tries in the game. Hoff, who also had a multiple-try game, will be trying out for the Team Alberta U-18 rugby team later this season.
Spencer Watkins not only bulldozed through would-be tackles, but also made tackles with the finesse of a provincial high school wrestling champion, which he is.
Knights coach Joe Buck said he was pleased with his boys’ effort, but said there are still a few details they can work on.
“The score isn’t indicative of how well we played the game — and the boys know that as well,” Buck said. “Tighten up some things so the forwards know where they are supposed to be. We are fortunate because we are athletic and experienced.”
He said both schools did the game proud with their efforts.
“I thought the spirit of the game was a credit to both schools,” Buck said.
“It was played in the good spirit of rugby, which was great.
“The Comp is really young. They worked so hard and laid it on the line. They were terrific.”
The Knights next game is Thursday when they play on the road in Chestermere.
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