GEORGIAN 67, MOHAWK 12

HAMILTON, Ont. - Mohawk's rugby teams had a tough opening day in OCAA action Saturday (Sept. 14) at Mohawk Sports Park.

The Seneca Sting whipped the Mountaineers 37-7 in women's play. Kimmee Meigs led the visitors with four tries and a convert for 22 points.

Mohawk's try by Reyanna Sangestino (Sault Ste. Marie) and conversion from Rachel Trabucco (Hamilton) were the last plays of the game.

Mohawk coach John Guilfoyle said despite the loss he's so pleased with the people who have committed to the team, which is entering only it's third season.

"Obviously there are a lot of things to work on," said Guilfoyle. "But compared to last year we are doing well."

He noted there are players on the team who have never played rugby before. He singled out Alexandra King of Pickering, who, in her very first game made six amazing tackles.

The Mountaineers are 0-1 and Seneca is 1-0.

Meantime, the Mohawk men scored early and late, but the problem was what the Georgian Grizzlies did in-between.

The Mountaineers got a try from Billy Gemmell (Brantford) in the first minute to take a 5-0 lead. However it was all Georgian from that point on, as they romped 67-12. Conan Valyear had three tries to lead the ground attack for the powerful Barrie squad. But Paul Marshall was the top scorer of the day, as he kicked seven converts and a penalty goal for 17 points.

The Mountaineers finished on a positive note as rookie T.J. Cole (Toronto) got a late try, converted by second year man Mark Sheridan (Simcoe).

Mohawk coach Bill Stuart admitted his team is a work in progress. "We have players who hadn't played the game before," said Stuart.

But he said there were some positives to take from the lopsided loss. "Our attacking plays were pretty good," said the coach. "We need to get guys more involved in the second phase."

But as the score would indicate, the defence really needs work.  

Mohawk is 0-1 and Georgian is 1-0.

Source: Mohawk College

HAMILTON, Ont. - The Georgian Grizzlies men's rugby team opened up their 2013-14 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) with an impressive victory over the Mohawk Mountaineers Saturday afternoon in Hamilton.

Showing some first game nervousness, along with some tough breaks, the Grizzlies found themselves down early falling behind the Mountaineers 5-0.

From there, Grizzlies head coach John Daggett got his team to settle down and regroup. Georgian took control of the game and never looked back putting together a 67-12 win for their first of the season.

Second-year Barrie native Conan Valyear had three tries while fellow Barrie native Paul Marshall scored 17 points (seven converts/one penalty).

"We had a great effort from our players," said Daggett. "From our veterans on down to our freshmen the group really continues to come together. I'm really happy with how things went."

Georgian will now turn their attention to the Conestoga Condors who will travel to Barrie to face the Grizzlies in their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.

The Condors won the season series with a win (19-13 at Conestoga) and a tie (10-10 at Georgian) last year. Both games were tight contests and the Grizzlies know they will need to bring their best effort Saturday in front of their home fans.

Saturday's home opener is open to the public at the Barrie Sports Complex.

Source: Georgian College

Photo Credit: Elia Koolsbergen