Glendale defends TVRA AA boys rugby title
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Tillsonburg Glendale HS Gemini dominated early in Thursday’s TVRA AA boys rugby championship game winning 15-7.
Thursday’s triumph over Woodstock Collegiate Institute in Woodstock gave the Gemini their second straight TVRAA AA title.
Glendale controlled the lion's share of possession in the first half, and played staunch defence whenever the Red Devils had the ball.
Tillsonburg went into the half up 10-0 with a try by Gemini wing Liam Spencer, converted by Gemini kicker/inside centre Michael Ram.
Ram also successfully split the posts for a three point penalty kick prior to the half ending.
WCI showed some desperation in the second half capitalizing on some costly Tillsonburg penalties that allowed Red Devils forward G. McIntosh to score, successfully converted by kicker J. Wilson.
This only galvanized the ruggers from Tillsonburg as the more experienced side shut down any WCI momentum thereafter.
A fine example, said Gemini coach Mike Perovich, was third-year hooker Noah Medel showing his front row prowess stealing his third defensive scrum of the game in WCI territory that eventually led to a series of offensive flair that allowed Spencer to dot his second try of the game in the corner of the end zone sealing a well-earned victory and second TVRA AA title.
"I'm extremely proud of these boys,” said Perovich. “They really wanted this and showed some real grit and maturity in front of strong Woodstock side. Mario (Shelton), Tony (Hietkamp) and myself have been very impressed with the athletic ability of these guys and how hungry they have been to learn how to play this game, not only functionally but competitively.
“This squad has come leaps and bounds in the last three years. Coming from a winless season in year one to winning back-to-back championships the last two seasons. That desire to understand the game and its laws is a big reason why these guys have come so far so fast.
“Work’s not done yet, as we have the WOSSAA tournament (May 30) that these boys still have bad memories of from last season,” Perovich concluded. “They want forget about and replace with some extra hardware."