Red Deer Titans RFC-4th Annual Rugby Octoberfest
This would be the latest outdoor game played in the autumn season in Alberta by the Antediluvians in our history. We normaly call it a season after the Davie Graham Cup at the Alberta Men’s Provincials in early October, but the Red Deer Titans RFC invitation to their 4th Annual Rugby Octoberfest for an old boys rugby game encouraged us for one more run before we dropped the curtain on our great 2016 year.
The ground was a bit frosty as we headed South down the QE 2 highway, but the lovely blue autumn sky warmed up the rugby pitch to perfect conditions in the range of 14 C in time for the opening kickoff. The Calgary Cobras RFC and the Antediluvians RFC both supplemented with some Red Deer Titans RFC old boy rugby players (Sean Tindle, Justin, and Bunny to name a few), played the final outdoor game of the 2016 Alberta old boys rugby season. The numbers were a bit slim, but we had 12 a side and decided that we would have a battle of the dirty dozen. No subs on the sideline. Just like old time rugby. It was great to see out playing on the day for the Antediluvians Dean Birch, Rob Campbell and Dan Evans. Tana Vea and friends were missing in action after a late get away from Edmonton. Always great to see Eli McQuaid, Tom Shacklady, Adam Stamper, Cowboy, and the Calgary crew. Antediluvians Playing Coach Woodie Power got the boys focused and warmed up for the game. The youngest guy on the field was Liam our referee from Red Deer, who did a good job.
The Cobras started fast and scored a try quickly after the Antediluvians kick off. The Antes’ countered with some nice runs by big Chris Quinn, and we had a 3 tries to 2 tries lead at half time. In old boys rugby there are no kicks for points. Still no sign of Tana and the other substitute players for the second half. The Cobras had some good outside speed with Andy their winger scoring a couple of second half tries down the sideline. Scott Thibeault, the Cobras scrum half and point guy, had a battle of the red shorts on the Antediluvian’s goal line and was able to just push his way over the line to score. Louis Medele playing inside center countered for the Antes, and scored a nice try in the second half, after a long break by standoff Eric Germain, after a good break out pass from our scrum half Justin from a set scrum. The game was well played on both sides of the ball, in the true spirit of old boys rugby with no dirty tactics, or over aggressive play. The only injury on the day was when Scott Vandusen takled Ted Roberts and had the unfortunate luck of catching a knee in the mouth, much to the chagrin of Scott’s cheering section on the side line. Nice to see Ken Burrows out for the day cheering on the lads. The Cobras scored on the last play of the game, after a clearing kick by the Antediluvians failed to find touch, and the Cobras counter attacked to squeak out a 5 tries to 4 tries victory on the day. Thankfully, all old boy rugby games end officially in a tie!
Aaron Seward, Natasha, Wayne and the Titans RFC did a great job of organizing the day and hosting. After the match, the weather was warm, and the beer was cold, as the two teams retired to the sunny deck to enjoy the Titans complimentary lunch, and to watch some of the other men’s 10 a side, and women’s 7 a side rugby games. As we headed home we watched the sunset on a classic outdoor season for the Antediluvians RFC.
