SNAFU 2002

CLASH OF THE SARACENS

That time of year was finally here, Manitoba Rugby's most exciting event of the Summer was underway and the 2002 SNAFU Tournament will be remembered by most. The mostly sober that is.

The Saracens had entered two teams into the tournament. In round Robin play Saracens One in Pool A had a perfect record of 0 and 4 while the Saracens Two went undefeated going 4 and 0 in Pool B.

As the records would indicate and with all teams going into the playoff round, the two teams were to meet in the first round. It would be one of the most colossal match's ever recorded in the 31 years of SNAFU History. The winner of this outcome would advance to the semi's but the stakes were a lot higher then that and would be more important then making the finals or even winning the tournament itself. On the line was not only bragging rights for the rest of the year and the humiliation of constant teasing for the losing players. The most important thing on the line was Beer.

Now the coaches had a daunting task of filling out the rosters for both teams, heck they had to decide for themselves which team they were going to suit up for. But they finally came up to a conclusion. The teams were named and the tension was building in the air, or was that just Flatulance?

Both teams in the first half went toe to toe and blow for blow as bone rattling tackles, thunderous hits and ground pounding running had captivated the hundreds of spectators that were gathering around and were being enthralled by this spectacle. It was like two Bull Moose battling for mating supremacy, two Grizzlies wrestling over a dead carcass. It was raw nature in it's primal form.

One team filled with Premier players, the other team a mix of young studs and seasoned veterans ranging from junior colts, local old boys and the Blind Pigs of Georgia. At the end of the first half both teams were deadlocked at 0-0.

Just as the dust was just beginning to settle, the whistle sounded to start the second half. Battle cries echoed and the tides of Blue and Gold crashed into each other relentlessly. Until alas, the spit and vinegar of youth and the experience of many years of rugby could not overcome the fitness of Premier players in their prime.

The score is not important and the try scorers are to remain anonymous, however only those who witnessed it with their own eyes and the guys who played in it would tell you.... how much fun they had.