HTHS Vs RHS 2015
Lots of familiar faces will engage in what will undoubtedly be a very entertaining game. I also hope the teams bring as much class as they will surely bring grit. If you watch one High Schools Rugby Game this year, this is the one you have to see.
Kick Off is at 5pm at the Harrison Trimble School Field. Expect both team on the pitch an hour in advance for last minute prep and warm up.
Good Luck to both sides.
Drizzle and cool weather made ideal conditions for this game. BMHS looking to avenge the 37-10 loss in the last encounter with RHS. Meanwhile, RHS again find themselves on the brink of play-off elimination and surely looking to use that motivation to drive their cause for the full 70 mins.
The game opened with what felt like two teams feeling each other out and trends would develop that held through most of the game. Both teams earned 2 tries in the first half and brought a 10 all tie into half time.
RHS supplied sustained pressure with multiple forward phase play and tight runs by front row pairing of Oguntona and Lawrence. 8 man Delaney also testing the BMHS def regularly. All too often the task of stopping these strong runners fell to BMHS fly half Lund, who was up to the task each time.
The opening fifteen minutes of the 2nd had RHS score and take a 15-10 lead. To add to the heavy running around the rucks, RHS scrum half McCabe was also peaking around looking for opportunities.
Sauter Makes It 15 All
Sauter busted a big run for BMHS and tied the game at 15 all. There was also an air of momentum about the play. It certainly felt like BMHS were going to start rolling. BMHS had done a great job of absorbing the multiple phase play of Riverview, and in response were able to break long runs, all of which threatened to score, but seemed unable to tie together multiple phase play. I certainly thought that RHS would be fatigued from their style of play for what had now been 60 minutes of back and forth rugby.
On the ensuing kick off BMHS were able to attack and quickly get into RHS side of the field, only to commit an infraction resulting in a RHS scrum. From the scrum we saw consecutive phases of Delaney running, followed by a Lawrence run, McCabe took a quick
Oguntona Just Short Of The Score
dart immediately after which Delaney was again running up field. Lund made what was her third tackle on the build up on Delaney on the 5 yard line and it seemed inevitable that Oguntona would score, and came as close as you possibly can, but still short of the line.
The next phase resulted in a knock on by RHS. The only type of knock ons present in this game were of the sort with scrum half or forwards trying to free the ball from the base of their own rucks, but with too many legs in the way.
Example Of The Difficulty In Getting The Ball Cleanly From Rucks.
The 5 metre scrum presented an opportunity for BMHS to relieve pressure, until RHS stole it against the head. The ball conveniently exited the left side of the RHS scrum in an ideal manner for Delaney to attack. Lucky for BMHS, Flanker Clowater was was able engage Delaney quickly and with the help, again of Lund, bring her down short of the line.
Cullinan Defends The Line
McCabe was on the spot to sneak in and looked the have crossed the line but was rejected before getting to ground the ball. Cullinan returned the shifty scrum half and deposited her neatly on the 4 yard line. Oguntona had another go and again BMHS stopped her. This time BMHS won a counter ruck and finally looked to get off their own goal line, only to knock the ball at the base of the ruck.
The result on the knock on was another 5 Metre Scrum, but with a RHS put in.
Quick service from McCabe to Macphee(M&M 2.0) resulted in Macphee scoring under the posts and final reward the RHS side for the sustained pressure.
RHS were now up 20-15. BMHS kicked off to the visitors and quickly was able to gain possession. A big run by Sauter looked to be a try in the making. With one player left to beat, RHS fullback Butland made the solo sideline tackle to save the lead.
BMHS looked to quickly score following this run, and perhaps would have but not for a penalty by RHS. BMHS were in a good kicking position and elected to attempt a kick at goal. Jensen made no mistake and slotted the first successful kick on the day and narrowed the score to 20-18 with plenty of time remaining perhaps to earn another such penalty opportunity or perhaps score a quick try.
BMHS received the kick off and on only the second phase lost it due to a strong counter ruck by Lawrence. BMHS tried to imitate the counter ruck on the their own 30 but were penalized for loosing their feet and going to ground over the ruck. RHS tapped and ran but made little ground. Struggling to get the ball out of the ruck, RHS committed a knock on.
BMHS won the following scrum and decided to kick the ball deep into RHS end and seemed to pursue with a good defensive line. In what was likely another game saving play, Butland fielded the ball on the RHS 30 and broke the tackle of the pursuing Lund and returned the ball 40 yards to the BMHS 40.
Sparked by the play, we would have RHS being awarded a penalty on the BMHS 20 a short time later. Again RHS, tapped and ran. McCabe was looking and took a shot around the edge of an early ruck to no avail. A few phases later, following another run by Oguntona, the platform was set for McCabe.
McCabe sniped in with what would be the final try and brought the score to 25-18. RHS converted the kick to put this one to bed for good. The kick off would be the last play of the game and the score rested at 27-18. Upon receiving the kick RHS quickly ran the ball out of touch, in a tackle, and were relieved to hear the final whistle.
A hard-fought, back and forth game was also a great show of sportsmanship from both sides.
If you got this far, you might be a rugby fan. RHS Boys play at HTHS tonight at 5. We hope that game is as good as this one was.
Check later for a quick summary of the HTHS Girls @ JMA. Also note, the MHS@EMM game scheduled for yesterday was postponed. As a result MHS remain the only unbeaten team in the division.
RHS @ BMHS 5PM Kick Off on the BMHS turf behind the school
The Highlanders open the day while receiving the RHS Royal on their field behind BMHS at 5 PM. This is a turning point game for RHS as they will be in a rough spot should they fail to pick up the win tonight. RHS Bring a 1-1 record into the match.
File Photo From a 2015 Game Between RHS and BMHS
RHS are coming off of the most physical game thus far this season against Moncton High and despite only have 3 days between games, had great numbers out to practice last night and looked sharp.
BMHS are entering this, their second game of the season, with a 1-0 record and the added luxury of having had a week to prepare to host this game.
First year head Coach Yvonne, in taking over for previous coach Harris, seems to have things firing in all cylinders.
Even in spontaneous pictures his side seems in sync. 
BMHS are opening up what is 3 games in 8 days, with the 3rd match against MHS. Only MHS and BMHS remain unbeaten after only 2 days of action. A loss here opens things up in an believable way, as it would result in 5 teams with 1 loss, in a 6 team division.
The nature of this division is that only the top two teams enter cross over play in the provincial semi finals. Every game is important and there is rarely room for more than one dropped game. RHS will be aware of this and looking to hand BMHS the loss.
The last meeting of these two resulted in a 36-10 win for home team RHS on May 25th 2015.
MHS @ EMM 5:30 PM Kick Off at EMM school field in Dieppe
Moncton High are also only 3 days removed from the clash with RHS and the Purple Knights will be aware of the improvement EMM have made. It is difficult to call this a trap game at this point. The EMM game vs RHS showed how tough they are at home and it will be interesting how this one plays out.
Instead of taking my word for the improvement EEM have made, I’m going to drop some scores on you. In the sole match up between EMM and RHS last year, RHS won by 46 points in a 51-5 thumping. In the season opener just one week ago, RHS had to come form behind on the last play of the game to steal the win away in a 19-15 score. That is a 42 point increase for EMM. That is an amazing improvement.
Similarly last year, on May 21st 2015, MHS scored 58 unanswered points at EMM. One thing is certain, there is no way that today’s result is going to be anything like that 58-0 score line.
Senior Jones will lead a very intimidating forward pack for MHS, while her Black Tide team mate Montiel wears the big number 8 for the home team. Both started in the forwards for the 2015 Senior Women’s provincial championship team. The quality play of their supporting cast will be very important. Which back row is effective without being penalized and which half back combination can consistently get the advantage line and capitalize on breaks will dictate the winner of this tilt.
The parody of this division last year was amazing. This year it is even better. There is a possibility should EMM and RHS win today that every team has a loss before any team has 2 wins.
EMM has been a developing squad, but they have an opportunity to shed that moniker today. MHS will want no part in that, and will provide a staunch opposition. EMM have a great opportunity to make the top two this season, but should they fall short of that, they are looking to be a favourite in 2017, should they apply themselves in the interim.
The most exciting outcome of today’s matches might be if MHS and BMHS drop their games. The most likely outcome is that they will both pick up the win. Regardless of the outcome, there is quality rugby coming your way today.
We will be back tomorrow with the results. Anyone with great pictures to share, don’t hesitate to e-mail them to flagrugby@gmail.com
May 3rd had two High School Boys games with Trimble(HTHS) hosting Belleisle(BRHS) and Riverview(RHS visiting Miramichi(MVHS).
BRHS (5) @ HTHS (43)
Trimble were eager to get going and had some especially eager beavers(Wojick and a couple others) dressed and on the field 90 mins before kick off. Looking to bounce back and take care of business at home
they would have to contend with Belleisle, led by Cameron Pope, fresh off his return from the Canada U17 camp in March.
Trimble were firing on all cylinders and did well containing the young Belleisle side, however they were unable to keep Pope out of the end zone, who picked up the sole 5 pointer for the visitors.
Back row pairing of Guimond and Fall picked up a try each. Additionally scrum half Furze and Inside centre Htoo also had solo efforts. Fly Half Hammer picked up a pair of his own. A very impressive kicking day for Hasgul converting 5/6 kicks and adding a penalty to bring his total on the day to 13 points.
Trimble will look to keep the good times rolling and hope to defend home field again Friday when from across the causeway RHS will certainly be eager to bring on a tough game.
RHS (8) @ MVHS (34)
The rough day for visitors continued in Miramichi. MVHS remain unbeaten and have been poised and in control during all encounters at home this season. With the confidence they have built so far, it would be expected that they will likely run the table on the regular season and host as the first seed.
Some bright spots for RHS include the try by Alain and the conversion by Carrier. Coaches were pleased with the forward play of Power and 
Norman, especially with ball in hand. A lot of tackles made by Baker, Chamerlain and Lean ensured the game was a tough affair.
This result is very reminiscent of the RHS visit and loss this time last year in Miramichi. RHS were able to improve and knock off MVHS in the rematch in the play-offs and will be focused on their Friday game in Moncton vs HTHS.
Riverview at Trimble on Friday May 6th is a can’t miss game. Mark it on your calender, send yourself a reminder, camp out at the field, whatever you gotta do, get there.
No games on tap today, but check back later for a week 1 recap and preview tomorrows games.
Girls: RHS(5)@MHS(7)
2015 Final Rematch:
An extremely physical match – last year’s Provincial final participants renewed their rivalry at Rocky Stone field.
Moncton High Purple Knights 2016
RHS found themselves on their heels early and defended under their posts for several phases holding MHS off the scoreboard and holding up MHS twice in the try zone.
MHS opened the scoring off of a loose ball in the ruck – Lucy Heaton scampering into the end zone to put MHS on top – Rory LeBlanc converting the kick to put MHS up 7-0.
On the ensuing kickoff RHS (with wind at their back) sent the ball deep into MHS’ backfield. A turnover lead to a quick strike scored by RHS cutting into MHS’ lead (7-5). The remainder of the game was back and forth as both teams battled for field position.
MHS power forwards attacking in waves provided positive results. RHS were just as aggressive with hard runs into contact. There were hard tackles from several defenders as neither team was willing to concede turf. With many tackles of the variety that drove players back.
Final MHS 7 – RHS 5
MHS visits Dieppe and EMM on the 5th.
RHS picked up a loss versus MHS last season and then went undefeated for the rest of the season.
Shocker In The Chi!
Girls: ODC(19) @ MVHS(20)
MVHS put together a full game of high quality rugby and was able to score on the last play to snatch the victory away from ODC.
Jabara scored a pair of tries with Taillefer added one to her season total, For ODC. Donnell converted 2/3.
Both these teams have a week to prepare to host EMM in The Chi and MHS @ ODC. Wins are required to keep play off hopes alive.
Exhibition:
HTHS(10) @ EMM(32)
Another spirited game for new comers HTHS and a great prep game for EMM who are preparing to hosting unbeaten MHS on Thursday.
HTHS switch some things up, Thebeau at flanker and Carter at 8 both scored a try each. Coach Lorne Carter had great things to say about the defense of Ching at the outside center position, general play of Daigle who played fly half after throwing in line outs and hooking in the previous games scrums. Thereault, Reid and Theaume at full back earned honourable mentions.
EMM took care of business and look to have things rolling. A pair of tries from Noel, with singles from Korytko, Gautreau, Bougeouis, and Gaudet. Montiel converted the only successful kick on the day.
A win at home against MHS on Thursday would put EMM in a strong position to get into the two team play-offs.
Boys Today:
RHS@MVHS
BRHS@HTHS
Good luck to all teams in action today. Check back tomorrow for results on todays match up.
Last Thursday, April 28th, was the kick off to the 2016 High School Rugby season in our region.
GIRLS
BMHS(27) @ MVHS(10)
First up was the Bernice MacNaughton High School(BMHS) Highlanders Girls travelling into Miramichi to open up their 2016 campaign versus Miramichi Valley High School(MVHS).
BMHS 2016 Girls
MVHS got off to a great start and took a 10-5 lead into halftime. This is an amazing start for the MVHS side and something for them to build on. The second half saw the Highlanders literally get the wind at their backs and overcame the MVHS defence to score 4 second half tries. The final score was 27-10 for the visiting BMHS side. Boyce and Sauter had a try a piece and Lund gathered three tries of her own. Mallard had the only successful kick on the very windy day. Anyone who witnessed the 2014 provincial championship won by BMHS might remember the names Lund and Boyce as 10th grade wingers who scored a try each in that game. More recently, Lund opened the 2015 season with a 100 metre try versus Moncton High School. Whatever your rugby viewing plans are, make sure you take in a game featuring this group.
RHS(19) @ EMM(15)
In Dieppe we had the defending girls provincial champs, Riverview High School(RHS) visiting École Mathieu-Martin(EMM). Observers of last season looked at EMM, and similarly MVHS, as teams that were young and developing, with the thought that they were two years away from making an impact. With a lot of hard work put in during the pre-season and good continuity with its core players EMM have made huge jumps since last season. This set up what was nearly a trap game for the defending champs.
EMM led going into the final few minutes of play at which time RHS was able to put down the game winning try to make the final 19-15. Without picking up the win, EMM have made the announcement that they are a force to be dealt with this season.
For RHS, being the defending champ is a tough task. They will get every teams best performance and are transitioning from star players such as Macphee and Murphy into the stand outs of this season. RHS came away with the outcome they needed and I’d caution anyone thinking they have dropped off, not to under-estimate how much EMM have improved. It will be no easy task for anyone to pick up a win versus RHS.
HTHS @ ODC (exhibition)
The only girls game in Moncton had École L’Odyssée(ODC) hosting Harrison Trimble High School. ODC controlled most of the game with noteworthy efforts by 11th grader Bianca Taillefer who scored 2 tries on long runs.
The gritty effort from HTHS was punctuated by great play down the middle with the 2, 8,9 and 10 all playing with a lot of effort. This team will continue to improve throughout the season and are building a great base for the future. The starting 2 for Trimble was 9th grader Daigle and 10th grader Carter was playing at lock. Both players were all over the field and in the mix of everything.
ODC are perennially one of the toughest teams to play against with their structured forward play and overall experience. having explosive players on the outside might mix up the usually look of this squad. ODC are always in the mix at the end of the season.
BOYS:
MVHS(17) @ HTHS(13)
Miramichi Valley High School travelled into the Moncton and left with the victory over Harrison Trimble High School (HTHS). MVHS with this 17-13 victory have announced themselves the team to beat and are eager to build on last season and them some.
HTHS tries were scored by Hammer and Fall with Hasgül kicking through a penalty.
JMH(20) @ BRHS(22)
Belleisle Regional High School(Regional) edge James M. Hill Memorial High School(JMH) 22 -20.
RHS @ ODC(Exhibition)
Riverview High School(RHS) paid a visit to École L’Odyssée(ODC) last friday night. This is the first year for ODC to field a Men’s team and although they were in tough against an experienced program such as RHS, they indeed had a couple of very bright spots, specifically there 8, 9 an 10. Ramade at 9 had a lot of work to do dealing with the attacking nature of RHS while Cselenyi at 10 worked hard to break the defence of RHS.
Bragdon started at 9 for RHS and made the most of the opportunity and played a blinder of a game. Riverview flyhalf Bessey pushed the pace of the game,taking many quick penalties in the first half, which favoured the experienced side. Center combo of Hawkes and Lean looked formidable. Great tackling by the whole forward pack ensured ODC had to work for each yard. RHS got the win.
ON TAP:
GIRLS: May 2nd
RHS@MHS(4:35): This is a huge test for both sides. No season will be built or broken in this match, but it will certainly be a good measure of each sides current ability.
HTHS@EMM(5:30): EMM will be the experienced side in this match up. This will be a great opportunity to see future stand out players on full display.
ODC@MVHS: Always tough to get a win in Miramichi. This is the first season game for ODC.
Boys: May 3rd
RHS@MVHS: Big ask of RHS to open their season at MVHS. Will be a great game.
BRHS@HTHS: HTHS looking to bounce back. They should be tough at home. BRHS looking to go to 2-0.
October 3rd had Moncton Black Tide Men hosting Belleisle Rovers for the Thorpe Cup in the New Brunswick Rugby Final. Just like two weeks previous, Black Tide won by a 1 point margin, this time in a 15-14 game.
Black Tide converted a penalty kick in the 79th minute to establish the final lead.
A huge wind at their back allowed Moncton to get out to a 7 point lead at half time off of a multiphase try scored by Damian Murphy. Moncton Man of the Match Mike SLeigh converted the try.
The wind calmed in the second half and scoring increased with a Moncton try by Matt Heaton and 2 tries by Belleisle. Rover Man of the Match Scott Sherwood opened the scoring for Belleisle with an amazing try. His aggressive attacking resulted in a 14-12 score in favour of Belleisle. Pressure from Moncton was rewarded in the the 79th minute Moncton were awarded a penalty in front of the Rover goal posts. 
Sleigh kick was good and Moncton had the 15-14 lead. After the kick-off Belleisle were awarded a scrum, and after some scrambling the game ended on an unplayable ball in the a rover ruck.
Moncton Black Tide Men host the Truro Saints this Saturday, Oct 17th, on the Odyssey fields at 2pm.
This Saturday, October 3rd 2015, will see The Black Tide Men host The Belleisle Rovers with the winner taking home the Thorpe Cup. The last two meetings were split, resulting in both clubs sharing the title of the Rachael Dawn Duffley / Cole Hanford Ryder Memorial Cup.
This great rugby rivalry will ensure the most highly contested match of the year for either team. Moncton have the home field, but also need to shake off a streak. In the last two years, the road team has won every game.
Kick Off Time is 1pm at École L’Odyssée.
There will also be a 50/50 draw with proceeds going to travel cost for Black Tide Women’s Lock Maya Montiel who travels to Ontario next week for the U18 Rugby Canada Camp. Montiel had a stand out season last year as the 8 for her high school, represented New Brunswick on the provincial level and started at Lock for the Black Tide Women in their championship game this summer. You can also donate here: https://donate.rugbycanada.ca/e/mmontiel
Spread the word and get out to the game. Black Tide are looking for lots of loud supporters. Please like and Share to pass on the message.
The NB Senior Rugby regular Season has come to an end and has set up 3 very exiting matches for tomorrow Saturday Sept 26th.
The Belleisle Rovers 1st 15 will play at Saint John Trojans. The winner will be hosted by The Fredericton Loyalist next weekend with the winner being crowned NB Champ and then will host the Tars in the Caledonia Cup.
Belleisle also will host an early 11 am kickoff versus the Loyalist while Black Tide will host Trojans at 1pm at École L’Odyssée. The two victors met next week to battle for the Thorpe Cup.
Thorpe Cup Champs 2014
As a reward, The Thorpe Cup Champs, then will have the opportunity to host the Truro Saints in the Wheaton Cup Maritime Championship. The Truro Saints were Wheaton Cup Champions in 2013 and are eager to have another kick at the can after coming out on top in Nova Scotia via a double OT win Over Pictou County.
Defending Thorpe and Wheaton Cup Champions Moncton Black Tide came into great fortune as the regular season closed down and were able to sneak out a win in Belleisle by a slim 20-19 victory that awarded them the 1st seed in this years playoffs. This also set up a rematch of last years dramatic Semi final encounter between Trojans and Black Tide.
Both encounters between these sides this year have been well contested and respectfully played. A great, high intensity match is guaranteed. Be sure not to miss it.
Heavy rain before the start of the match ensured wet field conditions for kick off. However the weather on the day varied from minute to minute.
In the first half only one try came for either team as Holly Jones finished under the post and Donelle converted for the Black Tide. The same phase of play that resulted in the try also saw starting fly half Robertson get injured while diving on a loose ball. Check both angles of the first try of the game:
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KIeDbFDhqg.
The injury to the Fly Half created a situation in which Donelle switched from playing in the 2nd Row to playing Inside Center. Donelle kicked well on the day and converted 3/5 tries. The toughest on the day that found the inside of the right post can been seen here.
A 30 minute delay for lightening in the first half seemed to favour neither team as the remainder of the first half was scoreless.
The second half had Moncton scoring early and while threatening to put the game away, the Irish unleashed an amazing score.
From there the supportive home crowd got quiet as it seemed despite all the pressure, momentum might be with the visitors.
Both teams did well in the set piece, maintaining their own possession with a slight edge going to Moncton in the scrum. Great throwing and loose play from Lisa Cormier ensured Moncton were on the front foot for most of the match.
The Moncton back row ensured that the Irish didn’t threaten with ball in hand often and Rundle worked hard to ensure limited touches for the ever so dangerous Irish wingers.
The combination of K Gauvin and H Jones created line break after line break resulting in the majority of the tries. To go along with a couple of assists, Gauvin also scored her own try and put B Richard over late in the 2nd half following a great run by the Black Tide winger Rossignol.
Final Score on the day was 31-5. Jones had 3 tries, Gauvin and Richard with one a piece. Donelle added 6 point on 3 conversions.
Moncton Black Tide Women have won 7 straight NBRU Senior Women’s Championships and 8 of the last 9.
Starting Prop A Jones(MHS) who made 3 of the biggest hits of the game, Lock Montiel (MM) who ran great from the base of rucks and Kicker/centre Donelle (ODC) all return to High School in the fall for their senior year. This may have been one of the youngest teams Black Tide have had, although the veteran presence of Hughes, Cormier, Sinclair, Robertson and Richard ensured that the side showed drastic improvement as the season matured. Of the 3 big hits by A Jones, this was the softest:
Stand out players left off the score sheet include recent ODC grad Ramade at scrum half and Turcotte at flank. Ramade kept Moncton ball moving quickly while Turcotte prevented the Irish from doing the same. Both are also listed for the Canada U20 Women’s side.
Much credit goes out to the Saint John Irish on reaching their first final berth by overwhelming the unbeaten Loyalist last week. The Irish solid play in the set piece and expansive play in the loose is fun to watch and a great display of the ever increasing skill level of rugby in our province.
This is the first NBRU Senior Championship win as a Head Coach for Yves Pellerin.
Special thanks to Head Referee Ian Wilson, AR’s Jon Allen, Scott Yvonne and Paul Arsenault.
For those that made it to the bottom, here is a bonus clip of a great Black Tide set piece that is neutralized by the Irish 8 Man
and H Jones’ third try!!!
Moncton Black Tide Rugby Football Club 