Good Start for Canada in Russia

Canada's U20 side, which features four Shawnigan alumni, got off to a good start Wednesday, coming out on the right side of a 22-6 scoreline over Zimbabwe as competition for the World Junior Trophy kicked off in Moscow, Russia.

Head Coach (and Shawnigan's Head of Rugby) Tim Murdy's charges found the going a bit tough in the first half, and led 9-3 as the whistle blew for the break. The score would have been even closer had the Zimbabwean kicker not struggled in the opening frame, converting on only one of his four first-half penalties.

From the start of the second half, however, Canada began to show their class and took over the game through a combination of powerful running and deft passing. Their hard work paid off when, after a period of sustained pressure, Second-Row Brett Beukeboom '08 found a streaking Pat Fraser '08 who managed to get over the line and record Canada's lone try. When all was said and done, the Canadians ran out deserving winners and are now charged with the task of preparing for their next pool match with the host Russians on May 22.

- Ryan Panton '97

(The photo shows Brett Beukeboom going into contact as Pat Fraser looks on)