In the Rugby Canada National Junior Championship competition, Niagara defeated the Ottawa Selects 31 – 15 in the second of a home and away series in Burlington on Saturday July 3.  

Niagara, with the wind advantage in the first half, opened the scoring early under the posts.  They followed this up with another converted try and an unconverted try to lead 19 – 0 at the half.  Ottawa generated opportunities in the first half but then would lose possession before being able to capitalize.  Repeated “not straight” in the line-out also resulted in key turnovers.

In the second half Ottawa dominated play for the first 20 minutes, scoring in the corner.   Continued offensive pressure resulted in several “held up in the end zone” calls, but no try.  Niagara countered a strong Ottawa pack with successful wheeling several times.  One of these resulted in the next try.   Niagara scored again to lead 31 – 5 in spite of several offensive opportunities generated by Ottawa that they just couln’t finish. 

Ottawa refused to quit scoring two additional tries to bring the score to 31 – 15 at the end.   Several Niagara spectators commented that the score could have been much closer and remarked on the improvement in Ottawa’s team over recent years.

This season has been a big improvement for the U20 side, with Manager Kurt Dingwall and coaches Jeremy Nibogie and Kevin McCleery leading the side to competitive results in all games.  Quebec gave Newfoundland a good game in the Atlantic division and we gave Quebec a good game in June.  If  we continue this improvement we will be winning against these teams next year.

Rolly