BRAMPTON UNDER 16 MEN WIN LEAGUE TITLE WITH WIN OVER MARKHAM    13th August 2007

Brampton Beavers' Under 16 Men's team wrapped up an undefeated season as League champions on Monday evening as they defeated a strong Markham U 16 team by 10 -7. The only points lost by the Junior Beavers during the whole season were a tied game with Alliston Timberwolves played away. 

Brampton's victory and title did not come easily against a well-drilled and useful Markham side, and the effects of a two week hiatus in playing any games was readily apparent in the Brampton team. Uncharacteristic handling errors, poor kicks, poor decisions and a lack of tactical awareness, aided and abetted by the referee's lax interpretation of the off-side law in the ruck and maul, meant that the Junior Beavers were perhaps fortunate to win.

Brampton played against the wind in the first half and kicked off. The kick was long, but the Beavers' forwards quickly applied pressure downfield. When the ball was then spun to their backs, Brampton looked likely to score, but good possession was kicked weakly away. Markham seized on the opportunity to regain possession and  kicked long, taking advantage of the Beavers' full back up in the line. Now it was Markham's turn to apply pressure, and when Brampton knocked the ball on, following a poor pass, they were forced to defend in their own 22m area. Another poor kick by the Brampton backs delivered the ball into the opposing centre's arms, and he scored under the posts. The try was converted 0 - 7.

From the restart, Brampton did well to apply pressure and earn a scrum in the Markham half. However, although Brampton dominated the scrums, Markham took two balls against the head. Without possession, the Brampton team was forced into defensive mode, and they tackled well. Their task was made easier by a Markham team which seemed determined not to let the ball go wide, and the Beavers were able to stifle every close quarter attack.

Finally Brampton did receive some ball, following a scrum. The ball swung wide from right to left for hooker Phil, lurking on the wing, to power over for the score. The conversion attempt failed. 5 - 7. For the remainder of the half, Brampton played well defensively, keeping Markham at bay, in a long goal line stand. However, after this long defensive effort, when Brampton did break out, they were unfortunate not to score.

A good series of inter-passing plays saw Phil once again on the left wing, barreling down the left hand touchline. Unfortunately, he was bundled into touch a metre from the line. From the ensuing lineout, the Beavers  conceded two penalties and were marched back down to yet another goal line stand. Only heroic tackling kept Markham at bay as the first half ended 5 - 7.

Markham's kick off was poor, and David did a good job of returning the kick with interest down the left hand side. Brampton earned a number of penalties, and took good advantage with some quick tap and runs. Unfortunately, they forgot the "two pass rule," and the threats were quickly snuffed out.

Brampton continued to win only intermittent ball, and were outclassed in the line outs. Poor throws and a good Markham jumping pod prevented them from winning much good ball. When Brampton did get the ball in hand, their backs looked dangerous, and the pop-up passes worked well. Brampton's larger players ground down the Markham attacks and there were a number of injuries to the visitors which slowed play.

 However, a high tackle put the Beavers back on the defensive. Following a poor Brampton kick in the backs, and then a pass behind the player, Markham secured the ball and actually crossed the line. But, the referee ruled that he had already whistled for the penalty to the Beavers, and the threat was cleared with a kick to touch.

Now, it was the turn of the Junior Beavers to launch a series of attacks which culminated in a scrum at the right hand side of the Markham 22m line. The ball was won and moved wide and well. J-P and Jeff ran hard on the outside and allowed continuity when the ball was moved back inside. Alex, who had an outstanding game in attack and defence, sidestepped his way over for a score wide left. Phil narrowly missed the conversion 10 - 7.

The close score, intensity of the game, the noise from the appreciative and vocal crowd, as well as the hot dry conditions, saw tempers flare at times. However, problems were kept in check. The nail-biting final minutes saw a high tackle again called against Brampton, this time in front of  their posts. However, Markham elected not to take the goal for a tie, but to run a short penalty and secure the victory. The Beavers' defence stood strong. In fact, they broke out with a strong run down the left wing by J-P, but his poor pass inside to Jeff in support, prevented what could have been another score for the Beavers.

The match ended 10-7, following a further series of interminable mauls/rucks and close-in defence. It was a solid victory for Brampton by two tries to one, but the margin of victory was very close.

Having won the League, Brampton Under 16s begins the play-offs next weekend. Captain David will unfortunately not be available for these, nor will Assistant Coach Keith Wilkinson who has to return to work in Montreal. However, both coaches Terry Bennell  and Ken Jones will be available to see the Beavers  move to the Finals.