Rugby suffers another blowout loss at home
By Tanya Quaglia
Lance Writer
September 17, 2008
Rain, mud, and the hope for sweet redemption, could not help the Windsor Lancers men’s rugby team earn themselves their first win.
The Lancers were handed their second embarrassing loss of the season this past Saturday, this time coming at the hands of the undefeated McMaster Marauders. The final score was a disappointing 62-0.
This marks the second time in as many games, that the Lancers have been defeated by an enormous margin of 60 or so points.
Their first loss of the season, a 62-3 blowout, came at the hands of the powerful and also undefeated Western Mustangs.
If it weren’t for Steve Young, the Oil City native being successful on a penalty goal, the Lancers could easily have been shut out then as well.
“I was not happy with that game against Western. I didn’t feel we brought out mental game with us. They are a tough side, we know it, but we didn’t get up for it,” says Head Coach Andrew Ciavaglia.
Even though two unsatisfactory losses are nothing to be proud of, hopes of making the playoffs are not lost.
“Despite some shortcomings, we still have the guys to get us into the playoffs,” said Ciavaglia.
“We need to play rugby the best we can, as a group and not as individuals, and that will result in victories,” he added.
There is always something to be learned from a loss. After tough games, such as the past two versus the Mustangs and Marauders, Ciavaglia says he tells his team and coaching staff not to dwell but to think ahead.
“We have to be accountable for our mistakes. We are all responsible, as coaches and players, to be accountable for the performance of the team. They can’t externalize the game by blaming the referee, if you missed a tackle - you missed. Let’s correct them together and be better next week,” he said.
This weekend’s home game, on Saturday Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. versus the Toronto Varsity Blues, may prove to be an easier test.
The Varsity Blues have a 1-1 record, and are no stranger to tough losses after being demolished 86-3 by the strong and undefeated Queen’s Golden Gaels.
Ciavaglia had previously identified the game against Toronto as a key game in terms of making the playoffs. It will be the first of several big games that will close out the season, including games against Guelph, Laurier, and Waterloo.
Hard hits, tackles, and determination could, hopefully, earn the Lancers their first win of the season.
The Lancers may not have the best team in the OUA West this season, but that does not mean that they cannot be successful. Ups and downs are to be expected during a rebuilding year, particularly the very first one after losing a handful of key players.
According to Ciavaglia, a few key positions still require filling to achieve any major success.
“The next couple of years are going to be rebuilding years. We need to convince more recruits to come to the university. We really need a number ten next year and a number nine,” he said.
“Right now we have guys sliding into those slots, it’s not an easy spot to play. They are doing well, but we need another Piatek and Chino to fill those spots,” he added.
Steve Piatek and Andrew “Chino” Ziricino both played more than one position, with the former being a two-time OUA all-star, once as a full-back and once as a centre.
Ciavaglia also says that everyone is welcome to come out for the team.
“We are always looking for eager athletes to join the program, a lot of football and hockey players make an easy transition to the game.”
Even though the Lancers have had a disappointing start to the season, the men’s rugby team remains confident and hopeful that they can lead the march into the playoffs.
For a complete roster, schedule, and results table for the Lancers rugby team, feel free to visit golancers.ca.
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