REDS Lose to Sea-Hawks

(FREDERICTON, NB) On a cold evening at the BMO Centre, the UNB men’s rugby team was unable to overcome the speed of the Memorial University Sea-Hawks, falling in Friday night’s Atlantic University Men’s Rugby Championship semi-final, 48-12. 

“I thought we fought pretty hard tonight despite the score,” said UNB 8-man Sebastien Denamur. “We started to build momentum heading into the second half but MUN came prepared and were better than us this evening. We’re going to have to come back better next year.”

Missed tackles and the fast pace of the Sea-Hawks’ offense caused troubles for UNB early on. 

Memorial was able to score early and often thanks to their quick backs breaking UNB tackles for long runs, setting up three tries for the Sea-Hawks and allowing them to jump out to the early lead.

UNB was able to answer with a try from captain Sterling MacKendrick, who was able to run in a score off of a successful lineout.

But that wouldn’t slow down the ‘Hawks who responded quickly by running in another try to continue to pull away. 

Denamur was able to add another try for UNB, building some momentum for the squad before the half, and narrowing the gap to 41-12.

“It’s teamwork,” said Denamur. “The boys were rucking over the green space and putting their forwards together creating the hole for me. It was a full team effort.”

The second half was much closer, with both teams battling for possessions and giving up little ground.

Memorial was able to add one final try before the end of the game, making the final 48-12 and booking their ticket to Sunday’s final. 

Denamur and Caleb Pounds were named the men of the match for UNB. While Andrew Shears and Maka Fiyaz were given the awards for Memorial.

Shears led the way for the Sea-Hawks on offense, scoring four tries. The speedy Fiyaz added two tries. 

In the second semi-final, the Dalhousie Tigers were able to defeat the UPEI Panthers 34-10. 

UNB will now face UPEI in the bronze medal game, Sunday at 9:30am, at UNB’s College Field. 

“Heading into Sunday our focus has to be on making our tackles,” said Denamur. “If we can get big on defense and let the offense work itself out from there, we’ll be successful.” 

The championship game, between Memorial and Dalhousie, will take place shortly after the bronze medal game, around noon, with a spot in the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship, in Vancouver, on the line.

UNB will be accepting non-perishable food items and winter clothing donations for the Fredericton Food Bank at both of Sunday’s matches. Those donations can be made at the front gate at BMO Centre.

RECAP AND PHOTOS BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics