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LOCAL SPORTS The Willsboro Barkeaters U-19 Rugby Football Club began its 2008 campaign with its annual trek to the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival to play its parent club, the Saranac Lake Mountaineers, in the Snow Bowl. A good time was had by all as the North Country's unique version of snow rugby had relatively warm weather and 12+ inches of snow to plow through while carrying the ball, pursuing play, or being drubbed into and embedded beneath. Some of the stalwart youths even wore shorts during the event. A three team round robin was created as the Paul Smiths College R.F.C. joined the fray. The young Barkeaters managed to score a couple of tries against the more experienced clubs as Loosehead Prop Ryan Stacey (Peru) and Flanker Kaleb Provost (Willsboro) bulled through the competition for scores. The event marked the rookie debuts for John Carlin (Peru), starting at Outside Center, and Dakota Latford (Willsboro) at wing. Dakota, 13 years old, thrilled the crowd with his panache as the first time he received the ball he fearlessly hurlted his 95 pound body towards the Paul Smiths forwards for his first taste of live rugby. Barkeaters rugby is open to area youth ages 13 to 19. Both boys and girls teams are available. Call 963-8555 for details
On Sunday April 6, the Willsboro Barkeaters U19 Rugby Football Club began its 2008 regular season by hosting the North Country RFC from Derbyline, VT. The venue, originally scheduled to be UVM, was transferred to Willsboro, where, despite, up to 8 inches of “snow-cone-like” snow on the pitch, a rugby game was held. The conditions made for a slower, plodding game, but the bright sun provided an occasional mud bath in the northeastern corner and the hitting was intense. The first half had the Barkeaters pinning the North Country Club behind its own 22-meter line for nearly the entire half, but the visitors’ determination resulted in try-line stand after try-line stand, consistently denying the Barkeaters points. However, just before the half a loose ruck near left touch and the try line allowed Loosehead Prop Kaleb Provost (Willsboro) to dive onto the ball through a crowd just over the try line for a 5-nil Barkeater lead at the half.
The second half continued the trend of having most of the game played in the visitors’s half of the pitch. The visitors began to tire as midway through the second half one rolling maul after another from inside North Country’s 22-meter line allowed the Barkeaters’ Captain and Flanker Nathan Henrichs (Willsboro) to peel off the left flank and tuck and roll after being knocked off his feet, but not technically tackled, then spin back toward the try line. Yet another maul was formed and the Barkeaters pushed the mass of people over the try line with Lock Jeff Stay (Peru) falling in the try zone for the score.
Another try was added later in the half by Winger Zack Blocker (Peru), playing his first game. The ball was spun out nicely toward left touch where the only grass on the field was available and Blocker used his speed to outflank the competition. Hooker Marko Bekcic (Willsboro) successfully converted points after try for a 17-nil final. The game also provided first rugby experiences for Alex Hall (Wilmington) and Ryan Turgeon (Plattsburgh). The Barkeaters (2-0, 1-0) next match is Saturday April 26 in Essex Junction, VT against the defending state champions, Essex High School RFC. Barkeaters Rugby is open to area teenagers (boys and girls) by calling 963-8555.
Willsborough Bowling Center
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