McGill 34-0 over Sherbrooke, Club A Clash with Ottawa U

The McGill Club A side played Ottawa First XV in a classic Upper vs. Lower Canada showdown of federalists and more “nation within a country” sentimentalists of the East. It was a hard and physical game that left many battered and bruised. McGill trailed for most of the game but fought hard to salvage the pride of The Mighty Red against our maroon-clad foes. Lock Thomas Menzefricke, Fly-half Hasan “The Admiral” Akbar and Julian “The Galloping Ghost” Hoyle had remarkable efforts showcasing their skill, tenacity and superbly chiseled jaw-lines. Another extremely notable accomplishment was the success of our front row against the filibustering necks of the Ottawa opposition.

McGill RFC was also able to see the young new talent in game time scenarios, a valuable learning experience for all! Especially Tal Schwartz, who was so far away from the rucks, he was pretty much out of province! Rookie Hooker Noam Bersem was able to overcome his Meraloma-induced handicap and successfully navigate the course of the game despite his post-Rosh Hashanah celebrations left him looking fantastic for the post game team photos. Much to my chagrin, I cannot remember the last names of a few of our rookies, so, please add me on Facebook to ensure a witty and timely mention in the write-ups!

In the end, our Club side ended the day in defeat. It was a valuable building block for McGill RFC as they look toward the successful future of our Club. Also, a tip of the hat to those Redmen who played in the Jon Jones Sevens this weekend; many players joined a couple alumni in entering a team (unaffiliated) that finished 3rd overall!

The McGill Men’s Varsity Rugby Team clashed with Sherbrooke for the second time this season as the Vert er Or traveled to Montreal to duke it out among the rain and wind at Percival Molson Stadium. McGill looked to play a quick and smart brand of rugby, and, despite the rain, were able to score two quick tries in the opening minutes of a staunchly contested match. The front row combination of Sunell, Friesen and Minz were bulwarks in the scrum, with rookie Marc Webster showing signs of promise at flank.

McGill took a strong lead into the half, but handling errors Pine-beetled their way into our Aristotelian game plan of surgeon-like precision. Tries were scored by a plethora of young talent: Quentin Pradare, the aforementioned Mr. Webster, Iain Carvalho-Campos and ‘Skywalker’ Charleton. A few first timers had to consume some beverages in some very particular apparatuses during the post-game social.

Luckily for the Redmen, a bundle of front-rowers got into the game during the second half (not to mention the ample-thighed Dan Levin). Keelan Champan and Stehpen Albers casually strutted onto the field but it was not until Nitai Ben-Shach - well over six feet tall of pure, unadulterated athleticism - that the mood turned slightly more intimidating. Our mauls from then on were a thing of beauty.

There is much anticipation in the coming weeks as the Redmen hope to have Sam “He really puts the Med in mediocre” Skulsky back in the line up, also, the handiwork of clubman Michael “der Schneider” Bourdeau will be on full display for our next game.

McGill RFC came away after 80 min with a resounding 34-0 victory. It was a solid win, providing very solid time for players looking to make the starting 22. The Mighty Red are now 4-0 heading into our next game, “at home” against the Bishop’s Gaiters after a much needed Thanksgiving break.

write up by Trevor Clarke.