The Badlands Bulldogs and Red Deer Titans combined Men’s 3rd Division Rugby team battled to a convincing win at the first home game played in the Valley on Saturday.
It was another scorcher as the Bulldogs welcomed teammates from the Titans and their opponents from Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club to the DVSS field for a historic first game, watched by an enthusiastic crowd.
Bulldogs player Dustin Clark opened the scoring with a try inside the first 10 minutes. The Irish equalized and converted their try shortly after, taking the score to 5-7.
“It was pretty close for the first 30 minutes or so” said April Harrison of Badlands RFC, “but Badlands/Titans scored again before halftime and the team started to really jell from there, they came out and dominated in the second half”.
The game ended 29-7, which is a welcome win for the home side.
“Big thanks to the Red Deer guys for making it possible to bring rugby to Drumheller” said Clark; “We couldn't ask for a better group to help us get rugby off the ground in the Valley” he added.
Clark was joined by fellow Bulldogs Shane McEnery, Troy Poulson, Darren Doecke and Austin Kimmel all of whom made effective contributions to the game. It was a Bulldogs debut for Kimmel and a rugby debut for Doecke,
“It was a great experience…I really appreciate the Bulldogs and Titans teams for the help on the field with positioning, rules, and tactics” enthused Doeke who played Lock. “It was great having our home opener in Drumheller and starting it with a win made it even more special. We’re looking forward to a promising season and a successful future for the club” added McEnery who played Flanker.
Titans Coach Sean Tindall noted “I thought the Bulldogs that made it out did a fantastic job. Good blend of ability and instinct…The Irish brought a mostly young team that liked to run the ball and were very challenging to defend. Big thanks to the few Titans that played two games to help make the day successful!”
The Drumheller Titans Community Football Association have offered their support to the fledgling Rugby Club, including help putting lines on the field ahead of the game “they’ve been fantastic and special thanks has to go to Head Coach,
Ken Fournier – it’s great to have that kind of support in the community” said Harrison. “Thanks also go to the Drumheller Aquaplex for staying open late, Boston Pizza, to everyone that came out and cheered us on and to all of the volunteers; from coaching to providing first aid, to our linesmen, to picking up garbage and running the concession; all the behind the scenes stuff that makes days like this happen” she added.
The Bulldogs/Titans face the Calgary Canucks at home in Red Deer on Saturday, June 2 at 2 p.m.
