Brandon Barbarians Secure Spot in Division 2 Final with 46-22 Win

The Brandon Barbarians triumphed over the Winnipeg Assassins with a decisive score of 46-22 in the semifinals of Rugby Manitoba’s Men’s Division 2 on Saturday, securing their place in the final next weekend. The match took place at John Reilly Field, where the Barbarians displayed dominance, especially during a flawless first half.

Brandon opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match when Richard Pierreroy grounded the ball in the try zone. Bryson McNish successfully converted the kick, putting the Barbarians ahead 7-0. The team’s early lead set a tone of confidence and control, according to Pierreroy.

“It was really important to set the tone and establish our dominance out there,” he remarked after the game. The Barbarians continued to build on their momentum, scoring five tries in a staggering 15-minute span, which included efforts from Austin Landers, Adam Kowalchuk, and Randy Cooke. By halftime, Brandon had established a commanding 36-0 lead.

Head coach Bryce Colquhoun expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting that the players executed their game plan perfectly. “We’ve never played that cohesive, with hard defence coming up, making our passes out wide, supporting each other,” he said. This level of teamwork was a crucial factor in their first-half success.

The Barbarians continued to extend their lead in the second half, with a try from Keegan Pitcairn-Freiheit bringing the score to 41-0. However, after making several substitutions, Brandon faced a challenge when they were reduced to 14 players due to injuries. The Assassins capitalized on this opportunity, scoring four tries within 19 minutes, showcasing their determination and resilience.

Despite the pressure, the Barbarians managed to finish strong with another try from Pitcairn-Freiheit, concluding the match with a final score of 46-22. Colquhoun praised the efforts of his substitutes, highlighting their hard work even under challenging circumstances. “It was incredible. Everybody played hard for every minute they were out on that field,” he stated.

The Barbarians’ victory marks a significant step towards reclaiming the championship title, which they last won in 2010. The team has a rich history, having been established in 1981 and previously winning multiple Division 2 titles. “It’s been a long time since we won it all,” Colquhoun added, reflecting on the team’s journey through various finals over the years.

Looking ahead to the final, Pierreroy expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. “It’s incredibly exciting,” he said, noting his relatively short rugby career. For McNish, this might be his final season, making the upcoming match all the more significant. “Winning it this year would be massive for the boys,” he remarked, emphasizing the team’s camaraderie and commitment.

As the Barbarians prepare for the championship match against the Winnipeg Wanderers, their focus will remain on maintaining their strong performance and teamwork that carried them through the semifinals. With a blend of seasoned players and dynamic new talent, the team is poised for a competitive showdown next weekend.