The Bow Valley Grizzlies have arisen from their winter slumber in a combative mood, appearing well up to the challenge of Calgary Rugby Union Div. 2 men’s competition.
If their inaugural Second-Division test against Airdrie Highlanders is any indication, Grizzlies will be right at home at the higher level.
Following a 15-1 Third-Division record last year, the Grizz left Div. 3 to join Div. 2 this season. In the first Div. 2 test for both clubs, Bow Valley had the run of play in a 35-3 decision over Highlanders on May 2. Airdrie failed to score a try, its points coming from a penalty kick.
“Great test. To be fair, I think Airdrie is in the same boat as us. They just came up to Second Division as well,” said Grizzlies playing coach Ty Hawes following the season-opening match in Airdrie. “Kind of in the same boat. But it was a good test to see where we’re at and stuff. The boys left it out there.”
The usual suspects were toiling for the Cochrane-based Grizzlies, scrum half Ian Ames and blindside flanker Mac Tivendale distributing the ball well. Cameron Birch and Issac Townsend were creating havoc in the backfield and Dave Evans was as disruptive as ever – his gaudy 75-metre romp from the middle of the pitch down the west sideline for a late second-half score capping Grizzlies victory. He scored two tries on the day.
Beyond the individual displays of skill, strength and athleticism from its first 15 was Bow Valley’s trademark team play. The front and second rows dominated scrums. And mauls off lineouts were textbook, the Grizzlies pack powering Highlanders to their heels on several gripping shunts before distributing the ball to the backs for some high-velocity attacks down the wing.
“Definitely that’s one of the things we’re focussing on. We’ve had a change of personnel this year. We’ve got some big lads, so let’s use ’em,” Hawes enthused of recent, large-bodied additions like Don Logan and Anthony D’Amico. “That’s exactly what we did. We talked about mauling. If we’re going to be somewhat dominant in the lineouts, then that’s what we’re going to do. Start mauling ’em, sucking ’em in and giving our backs a lot of space to work with.”
And, in the few instances Airdrie threatened to score, Bow Valley’s defence was unbowed.
“A staple,” Hawes stated. “It’s something we take pride in. I would rather win a game 5-0 than win a game 55-32. I would take a lot more out of that 5-0 win. If they can’t score any points on you, it’s going to be pretty hard for them to win.”
Friday, May 8
Grizzlies at Calgary Hornets
Calgary Rugby Park 2
7:45 p.m. kick
