(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB men’s rugby team fell in a closely contested battle to the University of Maine Black Bears, 26-25, on Saturday Afternoon, at College Field.
“I felt the team really dug deep,” said UNB head coach Nik Wood. “The lads put in some long and hard minutes against a physically demanding team. They played well, and despite the outcome, we showed resilience and determination and some great skill once settled into their game.”
The highlight of the day for UNB came from an excellent run by Logan Crawford who cut through the defence to score a try under the posts for the home team. The play was setup by prop Sheldon Macrae, who fed hook Nolan Burke to gain yards allowing scrumhalf Keegan Gilbert to rifle a pass to Crawford for the score.
“We saw how we match up against a physically dominant opponent,” said Wood “We have shown perseverance, composure, adaptability, and toughness. Although we have more to learn, we have come far as one team, and this is the right trajectory if we wish to be a national level competitor.”
UNB is coming off a busy exhibition season which saw them travel to Bishop’s University and Mount Allison earlier this fall as well as matchups against senior teams in Atlantic Canada.
“This has been a season against giants,” said Wood “Playing senior men’s club teams, strong American sides, and Quebec teams, we have had to find our depth and commitment to the cause. We have a course set towards nationals, and every preparation for this has required that we play harder and stronger.”
UNB will now have one last final preparation match, against the Dalhousie Tigers, this Saturday in Halifax before hosting the 2022 Atlantic Men’s Rugby Championship in Fredericton Oct. 28-30.
“As we set our sights on the Atlantic Championship, we need to regroup and make a final committed push to build our confidence, hone our skill set, and put in the mental and physical work to earn our opportunities and capitalize on them,” said Wood.
The semi-finals of the Atlantic championship take place on Friday, Oct. 28, at BMO Centre. Memorial University and UPEI kick things off at 8:00pm, before the host UNB squad faces the Dalhousie Tigers at 10:00pm.
The title game will take place Sunday, Oct. 30, at 12:00pm, at on College Field.
STORY BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics
PHOTO BY: Lauren Tidd/for UNB Athletics